EMDR Therapy Basics: What You Need to Know as a Potential Client

If you’ve been exploring therapy options for trauma, anxiety, or difficult life experiences, you may have come across the term EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It can sound a bit technical or even mysterious at first, but the truth is, EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain heal from overwhelming experiences in a natural and efficient way.

Below you will find a basic overview of what EMDR is, how it works, what sessions are like, and who may benefit.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people heal from traumatic or highly stressful experiences. Instead of talking in detail about what happened, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sound tones) to help the brain process memories that feel “stuck.”

When experiences aren’t fully processed, they can show up as:

• Intrusive memories

• Strong emotional reactions

• Anxiety or panic

• Low self-esteem

• Relationship struggles

• Feeling “stuck” in old patterns

EMDR helps the brain finish the processing that didn’t happen at the time of the event, allowing the memory to shift into the past where it belongs.  The memory won’t disappear, but there will be a far less emotional charge.

How Does EMDR Work?

Think of your brain like a natural healing system. When something stressful or traumatic happens, the brain usually processes it over time. But if the event is overwhelming or ongoing, the memory can get “frozen” with all the original emotions, body sensations, and beliefs attached.

EMDR helps:

1. Activate the stuck memory.

2. Reprocess it using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones).

3. Integrate new, healthier beliefs and emotional responses.

Many clients describe EMDR as their brain “connecting the dots” or finally making sense of something old in a new, relieving way.

What Happens in an EMDR Session?

EMDR has eight phases:

1. History & Planning

We talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, your strengths, your goals, and which memories or triggers we might eventually target. You remain in full control of the pace.

2. Preparation

Before we begin any reprocessing, you will learn grounding skills, calming tools, and ways to feel safe during the work. EMDR is always done with emotional safety first.

3. Identifying the Target

We choose a specific memory, current trigger, or negative belief to work on. You don’t need to describe every detail—just enough for us to understand what we’re targeting.

4. Reprocessing (Bilateral Stimulation)

You focus on the memory while following back-and-forth eye movements, taps, or tones. The brain takes the lead here. Thoughts, emotions, or sensations may shift naturally.

5. Installing a Positive Belief

We reinforce a new belief that fits your healed perspective—something like “I am safe now,” “I can handle this,” or “I am enough.”

6. Body Scan

We check in to ensure your body feels calm and aligned with the new belief.

7. Closing

We help your nervous system settle and make sure you leave the session grounded.

8. Reevaluation

Next session, we check your progress and decide the next steps.

Does EMDR Actually Work?

Yes—EMDR is one of the most researched trauma therapies available. It’s recommended by:

• The World Health Organization (WHO)

• The American Psychological Association

• The Department of Veterans Affairs

Many people notice improvement faster than with traditional talk therapy, though every person’s experience is unique.

What EMDR Can Help With

EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but it’s now used to treat:

• Childhood trauma

• Anxiety and panic

• Grief

• Phobias

• Medical trauma

• Emotional abuse

• Relationship wounds

• Performance anxiety

• Low self-worth

• Stress and burnout

You don’t need a “big” trauma to benefit from EMDR. Many clients use it to address patterns they’ve never understood or emotions they can’t shake.

What EMDR Does Not Do

• It does not erase memories.

• It does not make you lose control.

• It does not force you to relive the trauma in detail.

• It does not work like hypnosis—you stay aware and in charge.

What Will I Feel During EMDR?

Clients often report:

• Emotional relief

• New insights

• Feeling lighter or clearer

• Reduction in anxiety

• A sense of closure

• Deeper self-compassion

Occasionally, strong emotions arise temporarily, but preparation ensures you have tools to manage them safely.

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you’re dealing with painful memories, recurring patterns, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm that hasn’t improved with other approaches, EMDR may be a gentle but powerful option.

EMDR can help if you’re ready to heal—not by forcing anything, but by allowing your brain’s natural healing abilities to do what they were always meant to do.

Final Thoughts

EMDR is effective, structured, and deeply empowering. You don’t have to re-tell your trauma to heal from it, and you don’t have to do the work alone. If you’re curious, reach out to our intake coordinator, who can connect you with one of our EMDR trained therapists.