Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR in a nutshell
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps people heal from overwhelming experiences—whether it’s a single traumatic event, a difficult childhood, or patterns that keep showing up in relationships. Desensitization refers to the focus on reducing fear, anxiety and distress. Reprocessing refers to the reevaluation or restructuring of thoughts and beliefs-as well as the transformation of ones self relative to past traumatic experiences.
When something painful or frightening happens, the brain sometimes doesn’t fully process it. Instead, the memory can get “stuck,” along with the emotions, body sensations, and beliefs that came with it. This can lead to things like anxiety, flashbacks, feeling disconnected, or reacting strongly in relationships without always knowing why.
How EMDR works
EMDR helps your brain do what it naturally wants to do: heal. EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that involves bilateral stimulation (back-and-forth eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while recalling the events, feelings and thoughts that cause the psychological stress.
How it helps
What EMDR can help with
EMDR activates the brain’s natural processing system so those stuck memories can be worked through and finally put in the past where they belong. EMDR replicates REM sleep,vthe process through which the brain naturally integrates and processes memories. Over time, the memories will produce less of an emotional reaction which shows up in reduced triggers, flashbacks and other trauma symptoms.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, the author of the bestselling book The Body Keeps the Score is a strong advocate for EMDR. He emphasizes its effectiveness, stating, “EMDR is a bizarre and wondrous treatment, but what’s intriguing is how well it works. EMDR seems to activate our deep and natural healing processes in the brain, allowing us to integrate past memories so that we can come to accept what we know, and that takes enormous courage.”
Trauma, including PTSD and Complex PTSD:
EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories so they stop feeling like they’re happening “right now.” You can remember what happened without feeling hijacked by it.
Dissociation:
If you’ve ever felt numb, zoned out, or disconnected from yourself, EMDR can gently help you stay present and feel safer in your body while processing hard memories—at your pace.
Attachment Wounds:
If early relationships were unsafe, neglectful, or confusing, it can affect how you connect with others later in life. EMDR can help shift the deep-rooted beliefs that come from those early experiences—like not feeling good enough, safe, or worthy of love.
You don’t have to relive everything in detail for EMDR to work. And you’re always in control of the process. With the right support, EMDR can be a powerful way to feel more grounded, more connected, and more like yourself again.
Ready to book an appointment?
Chloe offers 20 minute complimentary consults to give you an opportunity to introduce one another, ask questions and determine if you are a good fit for each other.