What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Help Heal Trauma?

Trauma doesn’t just live in our memories — it can stay stored in the body and nervous system long after the event has passed. Many people try talk therapy and still feel “stuck,” overwhelmed by emotional reactions that don’t seem to make sense. This is where EMDR therapy can be especially powerful.

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s an evidence-based psychotherapy developed to help people process and heal from traumatic or distressing life experiences.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on detailed storytelling and more on how the brain stores and processes memories. Trauma can cause memories to become “frozen” in the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, panic, intrusive thoughts, or emotional numbness.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or threatening.

How does EMDR work?

During an EMDR session, a therapist guides the client through a structured process that includes:

  • Identifying a distressing memory

  • Noticing thoughts, emotions, and body sensations connected to it

  • Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or tones)

This bilateral stimulation helps activate the brain’s natural healing mechanisms, allowing memories to be reprocessed and integrated in a healthier way.

Over time, the memory remains — but the emotional charge around it decreases significantly.

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR is widely used to treat:

  • PTSD and complex trauma

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Childhood trauma

  • Grief and loss

  • Phobias

  • Performance anxiety

  • Negative core beliefs (e.g., “I’m not safe,” “I’m not good enough”)

Many clients report faster relief compared to traditional therapy, especially when trauma is involved.

What does EMDR feel like?

EMDR is not hypnosis, and you are fully awake and in control the entire time. Some sessions may feel emotionally intense, while others feel surprisingly calm. Your therapist will ensure the process moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

Is EMDR right for everyone?

EMDR can be effective for many people, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. A trained therapist will assess readiness, build coping skills, and ensure you feel grounded before beginning trauma processing.

EMDR is not about reliving trauma — it’s about releasing it.
If you’ve felt stuck despite your best efforts to heal, EMDR may offer a new path forward.

Alanna Higgins