Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
“When an event has been sufficiently processed, we remember it but do not experience emotions or sensations in the present. We are informed by our memories, not controlled by them.”
-Francine Shapiro
What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?
EMDR is an evidenced-based modality that helps process and heal from painful memories, trauma, and/or overwhelming experiences without needing to talk through every detail. This is one aspect that separates EMDR from traditional talk therapies. It taps into the body and brain together and focuses on how a memory is stored – not just the story.
When something distressing happens, your brain sometimes stores it in a way that creates a reliving of symptoms experienced during past traumatic events into the present moment, which may create feelings of being stuck in anxiety, self-doubt, emotional reactivity, or even physical tension. This may affect not only your relationship with others, but also, your relationship with yourself. EMDR uses guided eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) to help your brain reprocess activating memories so they no longer feel as intense.
EMDR does not erase the past, but rather, helps in removing the emotional charge it carries and facilitates gaining new perspectives through adaptive resolution to promote an integrated form of living.
EMDR has demonstrated positive therapeutic results with (not limited to):
01
Single-Event or Complex Trauma
02
Excessive Grief
03
Generational Trauma
04
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
05
Anxieties (general, social, performance)
06
Childhood or Attachment Wounds
How is EMDR Different?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds to activate both sides of the brain while focusing on specific memories, emotions, or body sensations.
This bilateral stimulation supports the nervous system in desensitizing the emotional intensity attached to painful memories, allowing them to lose their charge over time. Through reprocessing, the brain naturally integrates the experience in a new way – forming adaptive thoughts and beliefs that better reflect the present, rather than remaining stuck in limiting or survival-based beliefs developed in the past (such as “I’m not safe,” “It was my fault,” or “I’m not enough”).
Bilateral stimulation is also incorporated with resourcing, which is the intentional strengthening of internal and external supports. Resourcing helps build emotional safety, stability, and nervous system regulation by reinforcing calming sensations, protective imagery, and supportive beliefs. This foundation allows clients to feel more grounded and supported.
EMDR follows an 8-phase treatment protocol which include history-taking and treatment planning, preparation and resourcing, assessment of target memories, desensitization, reprocessing, installation of positive beliefs, body-based integration, and closure. Throughout this process, attention is given not only to past experiences, but also present triggers and future situations.
Sessions typically occur weekly or not more than two weeks apart, as consistent spacing helps maintain momentum in the reprocessing process and supports the brain’s natural ability to integrate new information. Longer gaps between sessions can interrupt the adaptive processing that EMDR relies on.
While EMDR is more on the structured side, it is also flexible in that treatment is adjusted based on nervous system responses, stability, and individual needs.
EMDR focuses on identifying and healing the root cause of emotional and nervous system symptoms, rather than simply managing or coping with them. Many symptoms such as anxiety, chronic stress, emotional reactivity, low self-worth, or feeling “stuck” are a result of unprocessed or overwhelming experiences.
EMDR works by targeting the underlying memories, beliefs, and nervous system responses that drive these symptoms. By addressing the root experiences rather than only the surface-level symptoms, EMDR supports the development of new, adaptive beliefs and responses. Clients often notice changes not only in how they think, but in how their body reacts, how they relate to others, and how they move through daily life.
FAQ’s
Am I fully aware during EMDR or is this like hypnosis?
Yes, you are fully aware during EMDR. EMDR is not hypnosis and you are not put into a trance or altered state. During bilateral stimulation, your attention gently moves back and forth while your brain processes information. EMDR works with the brain’s natural processing system, not suggestion or mind control. Your brain does the work of connecting, updating, and releasing information at its own pace.
Are there contraindications to EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is not appropriate for everyone at every point in time. Certain conditions may require additional stabilization, resourcing, or alternative approaches before engaging in trauma reprocessing. Beginning phases of EMDR focus on building safety, internal resources, and gathering an assessment before any memory reprocessing or desensitization begins. EMDR may be delayed or modified when someone is experiencing:
- Neurological conditions (such as seizures or traumatic brain injury) that require medical consultation before using bilateral stimulation
- Active substance dependency or unmanaged addiction can interfere with emotional regulation or memory reprocessing
- Severe emotional instability or difficulty staying present during sessions
- Current crises or ongoing trauma, where stabilization must come first
- Epilepsy or history of eye problems must be taken into consideration for modifying bilateral stimulation
What if I don’t remember all my trauma or can’t recall certain memories?
You do not need to remember all of your trauma, or even have clear, detailed memories for EMDR therapy to be effective.
Many people, including individuals who experienced childhood trauma, chronic stress, or generational trauma don’t have full narrative memories. The brain often protects us by storing experiences as sensations, emotions, images, beliefs, or body responses. EMDR does not rely on recalling every detail of what happened. Instead, it can work with:
- Body sensations
- Emotional responses
- Present-day triggers or patterns
- Core beliefs (like “I’m not safe,” or “something is wrong with me”)
- Vague images or a general sense that something happened
The Internal Dialogue Therapy Co. 