What Is EMDR Therapy?
What Is EMDR Therapy?
A Powerful, Evidence-Based Approach to Healing Trauma
When you've been through something overwhelming—whether recently or years ago—it can leave a deep imprint, not just on your mind but also in your body. You might find yourself reacting to situations in ways that feel out of proportion or hard to control. You might even “know” that you're safe now, but still feel stuck in the past.
This is where EMDR therapy comes in.
EMDR: More Than Just Talk Therapy
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured, research-backed therapy that helps people process and release traumatic or distressing memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk in detail about what happened. Instead, it helps your brain and body complete a natural healing process that may have been disrupted by trauma.
EMDR works directly with your nervous system and memory-processing networks to help you shift how past experiences are stored in your brain—so they no longer hijack your present.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma isn’t defined by an event alone—it’s about how the event was experienced and how your body and mind were impacted. Trauma can result from:
A car accident or injury
Childhood emotional or physical neglect
Military or frontline service
Workplace incidents or burnout
Loss, abuse, or betrayal
Ongoing stress, bullying, or medical trauma
When something overwhelming happens and the nervous system doesn’t have a chance to fully process it, the memory can get “stuck.” This often shows up as:
Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts
Heightened anxiety or panic
Numbness or shutdown
Anger, reactivity, or avoidance
Feelings of shame or being unsafe—even when life seems fine on the surface
Trauma Is Held in the Body
Even if you don’t think about the trauma much, your body may still be reacting. That’s because trauma isn’t just a story we remember—it's something we store in our nervous system. The body holds the emotional and sensory fragments of past experiences, which can get triggered by present-day cues.
This is why healing trauma requires more than just insight or understanding.
How EMDR Works
EMDR helps you process unhealed memories by using bilateral stimulation—typically eye movements, tones, or tapping—which activates both sides of the brain. This mimics the brain’s natural healing process, similar to what happens during REM sleep.
During EMDR sessions, you’re guided to revisit distressing memories in a safe and structured way, while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This helps the brain “reprocess” the memory so it no longer feels overwhelming or stuck.
After successful EMDR treatment, people often report that the memory feels more distant or neutral, without the intense emotional charge it once had.
Why EMDR Can Be So Effective
It’s evidence-based. EMDR has been studied extensively and is recognized by organizations like the World Health Organization and American Psychological Association.
It’s body-informed. EMDR works with the mind and the nervous system.
It’s efficient. Many people find relief more quickly than with traditional talk therapy.
It’s empowering. You don’t need to retell your trauma in detail. You remain in control of the process.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR may be helpful if you:
Feel “stuck” in patterns you can’t explain
Have a history of trauma, stress, or burnout
Experience anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance
Struggle with self-worth, shame, or avoidance
Are curious about somatic, body-based approaches to healing
Final Thoughts
Healing doesn’t always come through words alone. Sometimes, we need to access the body’s deeper wisdom and allow the nervous system to release what it’s been holding onto. EMDR offers a path to do just that—with safety, structure, and support.
If you’re interested in exploring EMDR, feel free to reach out. I’d be glad to talk with you about whether this approach might be a good fit.
You don’t have to stay stuck in the past. There is a way forward.
If what you read here resonates with you, schedule a free 20 minute consultation or your first therapy session today. Click here
