- Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
- Oct 22
For individuals struggling with the lasting effects of traumatic experiences, EMDR is changing the way we heal trauma by helping the brain safely reprocess painful memories without reliving them.
Trauma has a way of planting itself in the body and brain, looping like a broken record no matter how hard we try to “move on.” For those caught in the exhausting cycle of intrusive memories, emotional triggers, and chronic anxiety, EMDR therapy offers a path to real relief—not just coping, but healing.
What Is EMDR, Really?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that helps people process and heal from traumatic experiences. Developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR was first used to treat PTSD in veterans. Since then, it's evolved into a go-to therapy for a wide range of trauma-related conditions.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require clients to describe their trauma in detail. Instead, the therapy uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—while the client briefly recalls distressing experiences. This dual attention (focusing on the trauma and external stimuli at the same time) helps the brain reprocess stuck memories, taking the emotional charge out of them.
Think of it like REM sleep for your nervous system—but wide awake.
Why Does Trauma Get “Stuck”?
When something traumatic happens, the brain’s normal processing system can get overwhelmed. Instead of storing the memory like other past events, it gets locked in the nervous system—intensely emotional, fragmented, and unprocessed.
This is why you might find yourself reacting to something in the present as if the past is still happening. A sound, a smell, or a facial expression can trigger a flood of emotion, even if you logically know you're safe. This is the brain’s way of trying to protect you from danger—but it also keeps you stuck in survival mode.
What Happens During EMDR?
EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase process. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
History and Assessment – Your therapist gathers background and identifies target memories.
Preparation – You learn grounding and coping strategies to stay safe during reprocessing.
Assessment of Target Memory – You identify key beliefs, emotions, and body sensations tied to the memory.
Desensitization – This is the core phase: bilateral stimulation is introduced while you focus on the memory.
Installation – Positive beliefs are introduced to replace old, harmful ones.
Body Scan – You check for lingering physical tension or distress.
Closure – The session ends with grounding and review.
Re-evaluation – Each new session begins with checking progress and adjusting as needed.
It’s not hypnosis. You remain in control, conscious, and aware the entire time.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
Originally used for PTSD, EMDR is now widely applied to:
Childhood trauma and neglect
Sexual and physical abuse
Medical trauma
Anxiety and panic disorders
Phobias
Grief and complicated bereavement
Depression with trauma roots
Performance anxiety or low self-worth
Chronic pain and somatic symptoms
It’s especially helpful for individuals who feel “stuck” even after trying other therapies. Because EMDR doesn’t rely on retelling the trauma over and over, it can be less retraumatizing and more accessible for some clients.
Is EMDR Right for Everyone?
EMDR is evidence-based, but it’s not a quick fix or one-size-fits-all solution. For clients with complex trauma, dissociation, or current instability (such as ongoing abuse, active addiction, or housing insecurity), EMDR may need to be introduced slowly, or after building up coping resources.
It’s important to work with a certified EMDR therapist who can assess readiness, guide the process safely, and integrate EMDR into a broader treatment plan.
The Science Behind the Healing
Dozens of studies have shown EMDR to be as effective—or more effective—than traditional therapies for PTSD. In many cases, clients report significant relief after fewer sessions than with talk therapy alone.
Brain imaging studies suggest that EMDR helps reduce activation in the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and enhances integration between different brain regions. In simpler terms, the therapy helps your brain “unstick” the trauma and file it away where it belongs—in the past.
Real Relief Is Possible
Trauma doesn't have to define your life. Whether you're living with the aftermath of childhood abuse, a sudden loss, or years of silent suffering, EMDR can help reconnect you to yourself, your safety, and your future.
Healing is not forgetting. It's remembering without reliving.
So here’s the question: If your trauma is still living inside you… what would it mean to finally let it go?
💬 Ready to start your own healing journey?
Book a session with one of our compassionate therapists at Moody Melon Counseling. We’re here when you’re ready. 🍉
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