Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that helps the brain process and integrate distressing memories, so they no longer feel overwhelming in the present. EMDR is based on the understanding that our brains have a natural ability to heal—but sometimes that process gets interrupted.
How the Brain Stores Memories
When we experience something stressful or traumatic, the brain doesn’t always process the memory in the same way it does other everyday ordinary experiences. Normally, memories are integrated across different parts of the brain—connecting emotions, thoughts, body sensations, and meaning. However, during overwhelming experiences, this process can get “stuck.”
The amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for detecting danger and triggering our fight-or-flight response, can stay on high alert. At the same time, the parts of the brain responsible for logic, reasoning, and perspective may go offline. As a result, memories can remain stored in a raw, unprocessed form, which still carry the same emotional intensity as when the event first happened. This is why certain sights, sounds, emotions, or body sensations in the present can trigger strong reactions that feel out of proportion or difficult to explain.
How EMDR Helps
EMDR works by helping the brain integrate memories across the right and left hemispheres (often described as the emotional brain and the logical brain). Through a process called bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, hand “buzzies”, or sounds that alternate left and right), EMDR helps the brain access and reprocess stuck memories.
This bilateral stimulation crosses the midline of the brain, allowing information to move more freely between both sides of the brain. As the memory becomes integrated, the emotional charge decreases, and the brain can store it as something that happened in the past, rather than something that feels like it’s still happening now.
Interestingly, EMDR is thought to replicate the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep, the stage of sleep when our brains process and organize emotional information. This connection may also help explain why repetitive dreams or nightmares can occur, as these may be memories or experiences that are still trying to be processed.
It’s important to know that EMDR does not erase memories. Instead, it reduces the distress associated with them and helps shift negative beliefs (such as “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault”) into more realistic and compassionate thoughts about oneself.
What Is EMDR Used For?
EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma, but research and clinical practice have shown it to be effective for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Trauma (single-incident or chronic)
- Car accidents
- Depression
- Anxiety and panic
- Social anxiety
- Experiences of bullying
- Chronic pain
- Low self-esteem
- Negative self-beliefs
EMDR can be used with adults, adolescents, and children, and it is not limited to people who identify as having experienced “big-T trauma.” Many people seek EMDR for experiences that continue to affect how they feel about themselves, their relationships, or their sense of safety.
EMDR With Adults
With adults, EMDR is well-known for trauma treatment, however, it is also effective for anxiety, mood concerns, performance issues, chronic stress, and self-esteem. EMDR can be a short-term, focused therapy or part of longer-term therapeutic work, depending on individual needs and goals.
EMDR With Children and Teens
EMDR can also be highly effective for children and adolescents. With younger clients, EMDR is often integrated with play therapy, drawing, storytelling, or other developmentally appropriate approaches. These adaptations allow children to process experiences in a way that feels safe, engaging, and natural, without requiring advanced verbal skills.
What Does an EMDR Session Look Like?
EMDR follows an eight-phase treatment model, designed to ensure safety, preparation, and effective processing.
- History Taking and Rapport Building
The therapist works to understand your experiences, strengths, and goals, while building a sense of safety and trust. - Resourcing and Preparation
You learn grounding, calming, and coping strategies to help you stay regulated during and between sessions. - Target Planning
Together, you and your therapist identify the memories, beliefs, emotions, or sensations to focus on. - Processing With Bilateral Stimulation
Using eye movements, tapping, hand “buzzies”, or sounds, the brain is guided through the reprocessing of memories.
Throughout this process, you do not need to verbalize details of any memory you are uncomfortable sharing. EMDR can be effective even when memories are processed internally. You are always in control of what you choose to share, and your therapist will follow your lead.
- Integration and Reframing
As processing continues, distress decreases and more balanced, helpful beliefs naturally emerge. - Body Scan and Closure
Sessions end with grounding to ensure you feel stable before leaving. - Re-evaluation
Each session builds on the last, with ongoing check-ins to ensure progress and safety.
A Flexible, Client-Centered Approach
EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all therapy. The process is highly adaptable to each client’s needs. Sessions may look different from week to week, and EMDR can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches to best support the individual.
Whether used short-term or long-term, EMDR offers a powerful way to help the brain do what it is naturally designed to do: heal, integrate, and move forward.
If this post has you interested in exploring the possibility of starting EMDR therapy, call us today to book your appointment at 780-461-1717.
By: Susan Rutkowski, Registered Provisional Psychologist
