If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the past—replaying painful memories, struggling with flashbacks or emotional triggers—EMDR therapy may be the healing path you’ve been searching for. But if you’re new to EMDR, you might be wondering: What exactly is it? How does it work? And what can I expect?
Let’s break it down.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process trauma and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR taps into your brain’s natural healing process—allowing you to reprocess painful memories without becoming overwhelmed by them.
Originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now widely used to support individuals dealing with:
EMDR therapy is grounded in the understanding that trauma can become “stuck” in the brain’s memory network, causing emotional distress long after the event has passed. EMDR helps “unstick” these memories so they can be processed more adaptively.
Here’s what makes EMDR unique: bilateral stimulation—often in the form of eye movements, tapping, or sounds—activates both sides of the brain, similar to what occurs during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This process allows the brain to safely revisit and “reorganize” distressing memories and release their emotional intensity.
Your therapist will begin with a comprehensive intake session, gathering information about your history, current symptoms, and specific goals for therapy. Together, you’ll identify target memories to focus on during EMDR.
Before diving into memory processing, your therapist will teach you grounding and coping skills to regulate emotions. This ensures that you’ll feel safe and supported throughout the process.
You’ll then identify a specific memory to begin working with—along with related thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. This sets the stage for reprocessing.
As the therapist guides you through eye movements or tapping patterns, you’ll focus briefly on the target memory. You’ll revisit the event without needing to verbally describe every detail. Over time, the memory loses its emotional charge.
Once distress has decreased, your therapist will help you reinforce positive beliefs about yourself, and scan your body for lingering tension—ensuring the memory is fully reprocessed and released.
Each session ends with calming techniques and reflection. Future sessions may revisit the same target memory, or shift focus to new areas based on your progress.
EMDR is especially effective for people who feel “stuck” in therapy, or find talking about trauma too overwhelming. It’s often faster than traditional approaches and helps bring lasting relief to issues that started years—even decades—ago.
That said, EMDR isn’t a one-size-fits-all technique. Your therapist will assess whether it’s the right fit and ensure you’re emotionally ready to move forward at a pace that feels safe and empowering.
EMDR therapy opens the door to deep, lasting healing—without having to relive your trauma in detail. It’s a powerful reminder that your past does not have to define your future.
If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering if it could help you, I’d love to talk. As a therapist trained in trauma-informed care and EMDR, I’m here to walk with you through the process—at your pace and on your terms.
Let’s connect. Schedule a consultation to learn more about EMDR, and explore how it can support your healing journey.
