by: Patricia Berendsen
EMDR is a proven method for reprocessing trauma and relieving emotional pain. Learn how it works, what to expect, and why it helps so many people move forward.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy method developed to help people recover from traumatic memories, painful experiences, and emotional distress. It works by helping the brain reprocess unhealed trauma, without needing to relive every detail.
Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), EMDR activates both sides of the brain. This mimics what happens naturally during REM sleep, helping the brain process stuck memories and reduce their emotional intensity.
EMDR is effective for:
→ PTSD
→ Anxiety and panic
→ Grief and loss
→ Childhood trauma
→ Medical trauma or accidents
→ Flashbacks and nightmares
If you’ve had experiences that continue to affect your daily life, EMDR may help your brain file them away, like closing tabs on an overloaded computer.
In EMDR sessions, your therapist will guide you through recalling a difficult memory while applying a form of rhythmic stimulation. It’s not hypnosis. You remain present and in control, while your nervous system begins to unhook from the emotional charge of past events.
Unlike traditional therapy that can take months or years to shift traumatic responses, EMDR often creates noticeable change in a shorter period of time. It’s used worldwide by trauma specialists, first responders, and clinicians trained in complex PTSD.
At our practice, EMDR is often combined with body-based therapies like Somatic Experiencing or IFS to support safe, sustainable transformation.
If trauma is affecting your sleep, relationships, or daily peace, EMDR therapy can be a clear path to relief.