What is EMDR therapy - and Is It Right For yOu?
As a therapist, one of the most common questions I get from clients is, “What exactly is EMDR therapy, and how can it help me?” If you’ve heard about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and are curious, you’re not alone. It’s a powerful therapy approach that’s helped millions of people process trauma, reduce distress, and reclaim their lives—and it may be exactly what you need.
Let me walk you through what EMDR is, how it works, who it helps, and what you can expect if you decide to give it a try.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy originally developed to help people recover from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But over time, it’s been shown to be effective for a wide range of emotional difficulties.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk in detail about your traumatic experiences. Instead, it helps your brain process stuck memories in a way that allows healing to occur naturally—much like how your body knows how to heal a physical wound.
The therapy uses bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps, while you focus on a specific memory. This helps your brain reprocess the memory and integrate it in a more adaptive, less distressing way. Many clients find that memories that once felt overwhelming lose their emotional charge after EMDR.
Who Should Consider EMDR?
EMDR is especially effective for people who have experienced trauma—whether it’s a single incident like a car accident, or chronic stressors such as emotional neglect, childhood abuse, or long-term relationship struggles.
But EMDR isn’t only for PTSD. It can also help with:
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Phobias
• Performance anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Addictions and compulsive behaviors
If you find yourself stuck in patterns you don’t understand, reacting strongly to certain triggers, or feeling weighed down by the past, EMDR might be worth exploring.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase process, but here’s a simplified version of what to expect:
1. History-taking and Preparation – We’ll discuss your goals, your history, and whether EMDR is a good fit for you. We also spend time building resources—such as relaxation skills and a sense of safety—to help you feel grounded.
2. Targeting Memories – We identify specific memories or patterns that feel emotionally charged or unresolved.
3. Bilateral Stimulation – While you focus on a memory, I guide you through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds). This allows your brain to process the memory in a new way, often reducing the intensity of associated emotions and beliefs.
4. Integration – We check in with how you’re feeling, explore what came up, and continue working toward your overall goals.
The pace is always tailored to you. EMDR isn’t about rushing into pain—it’s about healing at the speed that feels safe and supportive.
What EMDR Can Do for You
Clients often describe EMDR as life-changing. They feel “unstuck” for the first time in years. Things that used to trigger them no longer hold the same power. They begin to see themselves differently—not as broken or helpless, but as resilient and capable.
If you’re struggling with unresolved experiences, EMDR may offer the relief and transformation you’ve been searching for. It’s not a magic fix, but it is a deeply healing process backed by strong research and real-world success.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re curious whether EMDR might be right for you, I’d be happy to talk. Feel free to reach out for a consultation—we can explore your concerns and decide together whether EMDR is the right next step in your healing journey.
You don’t have to carry the weight of your past alone. There’s hope—and help—available.
