Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-backed therapy that helps people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences.
When something traumatic happens, it can feel like the memory gets “stuck” in the brain—along with the original images, sounds, thoughts, and emotions. As a result, reminders of the event can keep triggering painful feelings such as fear, helplessness, or shame.
EMDR uses gentle bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain process these stuck memories. This allows the nervous system to “unlock” the experience so that healing can happen naturally. Importantly, you remain in control the whole time—it’s your brain doing the healing.
How EMDR Therapy Works in Practice
An EMDR session is structured and collaborative. Together, you and your therapist will:
Create a safe, supportive environment.
Build resources to help you manage strong emotions.
Identify unresolved memories or experiences.
Explore thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions connected to those memories.
Use bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to support processing.
Allow related memories to emerge and be processed as well.
Work with past memories, present challenges, and even prepare for future situations.
Why EMDR Works
EMDR is based on the idea that the human body and mind are designed to heal. Sometimes, this natural healing system becomes blocked after overwhelming experiences. EMDR helps “unblock” the system so memories can be processed and integrated.
When the system is functioning well
Disturbing experiences are naturally processed and resolved.
Memories are stored as part of your life story—no longer overwhelming but integrated.
When the system is blocked
Memories remain unprocessed and isolated.
They become lenses that distort how we see ourselves and the world.
Current events may trigger the same emotional reactions as past traumas.
By unblocking the systm, EMDR activates your innate healing abilities. The memory is processed and integrated—holding both the positive and negative aspects—so you can move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and self-acceptance.
Evidence-Based & Effective
EMDR is recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD. Many also find it helpful for anxiety, grief, phobias, and other emotional struggles.
✨ With EMDR, your story doesn’t disappear—but it no longer controls you. Instead, it becomes integrated into your life narrative, allowing you to move forward with greater freedom and peace.