What is EMDR Therapy?
- jennifer72755
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
When we go through difficult or overwhelming experiences, sometimes our brain struggles to fully process what happened. Instead of being stored as a “normal” memory, the experience can get stuck. These stuck memories may show up later as anxiety, negative beliefs about ourselves, or even physical reactions like feeling on edge or shutting down.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy approach that helps the brain reprocess those memories so they no longer feel as painful or overwhelming. EMDR doesn’t erase the past—it helps you relate to it differently.
How Does EMDR
Work?
During EMDR, the therapist guides you through a process that uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, sounds, or tapping). This gentle back-and-forth movement helps the brain reprocess memories that feel “stuck.”
As your brain works through the memory, the feelings tied to it often become less intense. What once felt overwhelming begins to feel more manageable, and people often notice they feel lighter, calmer, and more in control.
What Can EMDR Help With?
Research shows EMDR can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic
Depression
Grief and loss
Birth trauma and perinatal loss
Negative self-beliefs (“I’m not good enough,” “I’m not safe”)
What Makes EMDR Different?
One of the unique things about EMDR is that you don’t have to retell every detail of what happened for it to be effective. The focus is on how your brain processes the memory, not on re-experiencing the event in full detail. This can make EMDR feel less overwhelming for many people.
Why Clients Choose EMDR
Clients often share that EMDR helps them feel more grounded, less triggered by the past, and better able to move forward. It’s not about forgetting—it’s about healing.
If you’re curious about EMDR and how it might help you, I’d love to talk with you. Together, we can see if this approach feels like the right fit for your healing journey.
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