Sometimes, difficult experiences stay with us long after they happen. A memory/or situation may continue to bring up anxiety, fear, sadness, shame, or physical sensations, even when we know we are safe in the present.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help people process distressing memories and experiences so they feel less overwhelming and have less power over the present.
EMDR has become a particularly meaningful part of my work as a therapist. I have been trained in EMDR since September 2024 and have been incorporating it into my clinical practice/approach ever since. I am currently in the process of becoming EMDR certified and am nearing completion of the certification process, with the goal of completing my certification in early 2027.
What Is EMDR and How Does it Work?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and is a therapeutic approach commonly used to treat trauma and other distressing experiences.
EMDR may be helpful for concerns including:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic
Phobias and fears
Depression
Distressing memories
Experiences of abuse or assault
Grief and difficult life experiences
Sleep difficulties and trauma-related distress
EMDR is not about forgetting what happened. Instead, the goal is to help distressing experiences become less emotionally overwhelming over time and become more connected to the present.
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which says that our brains have a natural system for processing experiences and connecting them with helpful information. Sometimes, after overwhelming or distressing experiences, memories may not become fully processed. Parts of the experience can remain connected to intense emotions, negative beliefs, physical sensations, or reactions. This can leave someone knowing logically that they are safe while their body or emotions continue responding as though the experience is happening again. EMDR helps support the processing of these experiences so that the brain can make new, more adaptive connections.
What Is Bilateral Stimulation?
A key part of EMDR is bilateral stimulation (BLS). This involves alternating stimulation from one side of the body to the other.
Depending on the client and what feels most comfortable, BLS may include:
Eye movements
Alternating taps
Tactile stimulation
Other forms of bilateral stimulation
Your therapist guides you through the process while you briefly focus on aspects of the experience being processed.
The 8 Phases of EMDR
EMDR is much more than bilateral stimulation or processing a traumatic memory. It is a structured, eight-phase approach.
History & Treatment Planning: We explore your past experiences, current concerns, strengths, symptoms, and goals
Preparation: You learn grounding, coping, and relaxation strategies to help you feel prepared and emotionally safe
Assessment: Together, we identify a specific memory, belief, emotion, image, or body sensation to target
Desensitization: You focus on aspects of the experience while using bilateral stimulation and notice what naturally comes up
Installation: A more helpful or adaptive belief is strengthened
Body Scan: You notice any remaining physical tension or discomfort
Closure: Each session ends with grounding and stabilization so you can leave feeling supported
Re-evaluation: At future sessions, we review what has changed and determine what still needs attention
What Might an EMDR Session Look Like?
An EMDR session can look different depending on where you are in your treatment.
You might spend a session:
Checking in on how you're feeling
Talking about what has changed since your last session
Practicing grounding or coping skills
Identifying a memory, feeling, or belief to work on
Using bilateral stimulation when appropriate
Noticing thoughts, emotions, images, or body sensations
Strengthening more adaptive beliefs
Ending with grounding and emotional stabilization
Sometimes an EMDR session may involve processing. Other times, the most therapeutic thing may be slowing down, building resources, or creating a greater sense of safety.
Why EMDR Has Become So Meaningful to Me
One of the things I enjoy most about EMDR is the opportunity to meet clients wherever they are in their healing journey.
It has been such a privilege to walk alongside clients as they process difficult experiences, emotions, and memories while developing healthier ways to navigate life. Every person’s healing journey is different, and I appreciate that EMDR provides a structured approach while still allowing the work to be individualized, collaborative, and paced around the client.
I believe you are the expert on your own experience. My role is to walk alongside you, offering support, guidance, and a safe space to explore what you need at a pace that feels right for you. EMDR isn’t about rushing or forcing you to talk about something before you’re ready. Sometimes the work is processing a difficult memory; other times, it’s building coping skills, strengthening resources, or simply learning to feel safe.
As I continue working toward EMDR certification, I’m incredibly grateful to keep learning and growing in an approach that has become such a meaningful part of my clinical work. And I’m especially grateful that I get to share some of this work with MJ by my side. 🐾
Information provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized mental health care.
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.
EMDR Institute. (2019). What is EMDR?
EMDR International Association. (2022). About EMDR Therapy.
