“EMDR Explained: A Pathway to Trauma Recovery”

What Is EMDR Therapy and Who Can Benefit from It?

When it comes to healing from trauma, anxiety, or distressing experiences, many people find traditional talk therapy helpful. However, as our understanding of trauma deepens, particularly how it’s stored in the body and nervous system, it’s clear that healing often requires more than just talking. It requires addressing the disconnection between the brain and the body.

This is where EMDR therapy can play a transformative role.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach originally developed to treat trauma-related disorders. It was created in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, who made an important observation while on a walk: her own distressing thoughts began to lose their emotional intensity as her eyes moved rapidly back and forth. Intrigued, she began experimenting with this method, and over time, what started as a simple insight grew into a structured, research-supported therapy that helps people process and heal from trauma and other emotional difficulties.

How Does EMDR Work?

The core idea behind EMDR is straightforward: when we experience trauma or overwhelming life events, the brain may not fully process those memories. As a result, they can get "stuck," continuing to trigger distressing emotions, thoughts, or physical symptoms, even years later. These unresolved memories may contribute to flashbacks, anxiety, panic attacks, dissociation, or chronic emotional and physical discomfort.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess those memories, so they are no longer overwhelming or disruptive, allowing them to be stored in a more adaptive, integrated way.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR follows a structured, 8-phase approach that includes:

·       History-taking and treatment planning

·       Preparation – Building emotional resilience and developing internal resources

·       Assessment – Identifying specific memories that cause distress

·       Desensitization – Exploring the emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations tied to the memory

·       Bilateral stimulation – Engaging in specific techniques (like eye movements or tapping) while focusing on the memory

·       Installation – Reinforcing positive beliefs to replace the old, unhelpful ones

·       Body scan – Ensuring all residual physical tension or distress has been resolved

·       Closure and reevaluation – Making sure progress has been integrated and planning next steps

What Is Bilateral Stimulation?

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) involves alternating stimulation of the left and right sides of the body or brain. While eye movements are most commonly associated with EMDR (as reflected in the name), BLS can also include tapping, auditory tones, or handheld buzzers-anything that rhythmically crosses the midline of the body.

This bilateral activation appears to mimic what happens during REM sleep, the phase of sleep linked to memory processing and emotional regulation. During EMDR, it helps the brain "unstick" traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing new, healthier associations to form.

What EMDR Is Not

·       EMDR is not about forgetting or erasing your memories. You’ll still remember the event, but it will feel less raw, less intrusive, and no longer trigger the same emotional response.

·       EMDR is not a form of exposure therapy, and it doesn’t require you to talk in detail about your trauma. This can make it a more gentle and accessible option, especially for those who feel overwhelmed by traditional talk therapy.

·       EMDR is not about “fixing” or altering your nervous system. Rather, it helps your system resume its natural healing process, allowing you to process what once felt stuck or frozen.

What Can EMDR Help With?

While EMDR is most well-known for treating PTSD, its benefits extend far beyond that. It’s been used effectively to treat:

·       Childhood trauma or adverse experiences

·       Anxiety and panic disorders

·       Depression and low self-worth

·       Phobias and performance anxiety

·       Grief and complicated loss

·       Chronic pain and somatic symptoms

Anyone who has experienced trauma or overwhelming life events may benefit from EMDR. This includes individuals coping with recent or past trauma, first responders, healthcare workers, military personnel, and individuals struggling with anxiety rooted in unresolved experiences.

Is EMDR Right for You?

Choosing the right therapy can be an important and empowering step toward healing. If you’ve been feeling stuck, weighed down by past experiences, or are seeking an approach that goes beyond talk therapy, EMDR might be the next step on your healing journey.

If you're curious to learn more, reach out for a consultation. Together, we can explore whether EMDR is a good fit for your needs and goals.

Written by Kelsey Prohaska (Registered Psychotherapist - Qualifying) under Kyla Balderson’s clinical supervision.