If you’ve been searching for trauma therapy, you’ve probably come across the term EMDR. You might’ve heard it’s powerful, or a little strange, or that it “rewires your brain.” But what actually is EMDR therapy, and is it right for you?
Let’s break it down.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
It’s an evidence-based therapy originally developed to help people process trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on analyzing and more on helping your brain and body reprocess stuck memories and emotional patterns—especially ones that feel overwhelming or confusing.
In short: EMDR helps the brain do what it was trying to do all along…heal.
How does it work?
When we experience something overwhelming, our nervous system goes into survival mode. If the experience isn’t fully processed, especially if we didn’t have the support or safety we needed at the time, it can get stored in a fragmented, “frozen” way in the brain and body. That’s why something small today might still trigger a big response.
EMDR uses something called bilateral stimulation, often through guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds to help the brain reprocess those stuck memories. During sessions, we gently revisit the memory or pattern with just enough distance and support to allow your system to release what it’s been holding onto.
This isn’t about reliving trauma. It’s about freeing your nervous system from it.
What kinds of issues can EMDR help with?
While EMDR is best known for supporting healing from trauma and PTSD, it’s also been shown to be effective for:
- Anxiety and panic
- Attachment wounds
- Low self-worth
- Distressing memories
- Emotional overwhelm
- Negative beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not safe”
In my practice, I often integrate EMDR with attachment-based therapy, especially for clients who feel like their struggles are tied to early relationships or chronic emotional stress, not just one “big” traumatic event.
What can I expect in a session?
The early sessions are focused on getting to know you, understanding your history, and building tools to help you feel grounded and safe. We won’t dive into intense memories right away. EMDR moves at your pace, and consent is at the center of everything we do.
You don’t need to have a “perfect” memory or story for EMDR to work. Your body and nervous system already hold the pieces and we work together to make sense of them.
Is it right for me?
If you’ve tried talk therapy and felt like you understood your patterns but still felt stuck, EMDR might be a helpful next step. It can be especially effective if your body still reacts strongly even when your mind knows “it’s not a big deal.”
Curious if EMDR could support your healing?
I offer EMDR as part of a gentle, personalized approach to healing. If you’re ready to explore what it might look like, I’d be happy to talk.