There is a lot of talk around EMDR, and maybe you are curious about all the hype. Whether you have heard someone mention it, seen it on social media, or had it recommended to you, it’s likely EMDR has crossed your radar. It has become one of the most talked-about and well researched forms of trauma therapy--so let's break it down.
A Brief Overview of EMDR
First, EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that stands for Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing. In simple terms, EMDR helps the brain process experiences that feel “stuck.” It uses eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation like tapping or tones) to reduce or often remove the emotional charge and the negative beliefs attached to certain memories. This allows the brain to reprocess those memories in a healthier way often replacing distressing beliefs with more adaptive ones.
Our brains naturally know how to heal themselves. We see this when physical wounds close or when emotions soften over time. However, when someone experiences trauma, especially repeated or overwhelming experiences, the brain doesn’t always get the chance to fully process what happened. Instead the memory can remain “frozen” with the original emotions, body sensations, and beliefs attached to it.
EMDR works by mimicking the brain’s natural processing system, similar to what happens during REM sleep. By engaging both sides of the brain, EMDR helps the nervous system move the memory from a place of distress into a place of integration and resolution.
That might sound daunting, but it's actually much simpler (and gentler) than it sounds.
In EMDR, you’re not reliving trauma in detail or forced to talk about everything that happened. Instead, the trained therapist helps guide your brain through a structured process that allows healing to happen organically. Many clients are surprised by how natural the process feels once it begins.
EMDR is a structured, phased approach and often takes multiple sessions before meaningful relief is felt. Throughout the process, the therapist is to prioritize the clients safety and regulation, ensuring that each session ends with the client feeling grounded. Clients are also encouraged to engage in self-care and emotional decompression between sessions to support ongoing integration and healing.
While this was a brief overview, there is plenty more to this powerful form of therapy. Part 2 will discuss what EMDR can help with (symptoms, disorders, etc.), what the process will look like, and who might benefit most from this approach.
If you are interested in learning more and possibly starting EMDR, contact us to be connected with a trained clinician who can support you through your process.
