What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma‑informed, evidence‑based psychotherapy that helps people heal from distressing or overwhelming experiences—without requiring them to relive the trauma in detail.
Many people come to EMDR after realizing that talking about it hasn’t been enough. They understand what happened, but their body still reacts as if the past is happening now. EMDR is designed to help the brain and nervous system fully process these experiences so they no longer feel stuck.
How Trauma Gets Stored in the Body
When something overwhelming happens—especially when we feel unsafe, helpless, or alone—the brain may not fully process the experience. Instead of being filed away as a completed memory, it can become stored in a raw, unintegrated form.
That’s why trauma doesn’t just live in our thoughts. It often shows up as:
- Anxiety or panic that feels out of proportion
- Emotional reactions that seem to come out of nowhere
- Body sensations like tightness, nausea, or a racing heart
- Negative beliefs about yourself ("I’m not safe," "It was my fault," "I’m failing")
EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they can move from present‑day threat to past experience.
What’s With the Eye Movements?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—a rhythmic left‑right pattern that engages both sides of the brain.
EMDR was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro, who noticed that while walking and thinking about a distressing experience, her eyes naturally moved left to right—and the emotional intensity of the memory decreased. This observation became the foundation of EMDR therapy.
Today, EMDR has evolved to include several ways of administering bilateral stimulation:
- Virtually: I use a secure program where a ball moves back and forth across the screen to guide eye movements.
- In person: I often use handheld "tappers" that provide gentle left‑right vibrations.
- Additional options: Headphones with alternating tones can also be used.
This bilateral stimulation activates the brain’s natural processing system, similar to what happens during REM sleep. Over time, memories become less emotionally charged, and more adaptive beliefs can naturally take their place.
Importantly, you do not have to describe the trauma in detail or talk through every part of what happened. The work happens internally, at your own pace, with your therapist guiding and supporting the process.
What EMDR Can Help With
EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, but research and clinical experience show it can help with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Birth trauma and medical trauma
- Pregnancy loss, infertility, and NICU experiences
- Anxiety and panic
- Phobias
- Complicated grief
- Childhood emotional neglect or attachment wounds
- Negative self‑beliefs and chronic shame
Many people are surprised to learn that EMDR can be effective for experiences that don’t feel like trauma, but still carry a lasting emotional or physical imprint.
What an EMDR Session Is Like
EMDR therapy follows a structured eight‑phase approach that prioritizes safety and stabilization before reprocessing begins.
During reprocessing phases, you remain fully present and in control. You can pause, stop, or shift direction at any time. EMDR is not about pushing through—it’s about allowing your system to do what it already knows how to do, with support.
We work with past experiences, present‑day triggers, and future templates. There is no “right” or “wrong” way for your brain to respond. You’re simply invited to notice whatever arises and let your mind go where it needs to go.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR can be especially helpful if:
- You feel emotionally or physically reactive even when you know you’re safe
- You understand your story but still feel stuck
- Your body holds stress that doesn’t respond to traditional talk therapy
- Certain memories, sensations, or fears feel frozen in time
That said, EMDR isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. There are multiple protocols and ways it can be used. Part of therapy is thoughtfully determining what type of support best fits your presenting concerns, nervous system responses, and goals.
Want to Try EMDR?
If you’re curious about whether EMDR might be helpful for you, I’d be glad to explore that together.
You can download a PDF here to learn more about what to expect during EMDR, or request an appointment through my therapy practice, Be Well Wellness, to begin.
