What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?
When most people hear about EMDR therapy, their first thought is usually, “Isn’t that for trauma?” or “what the heck is that?” or even “like hypnosis?” And yes—it is incredibly effective for treating trauma and PTSD but is not hypnosis. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) treats so much more then that and is not putting you into a “trance-like state”.
Over the years, EMDR has been shown to help with a wide range of symptoms—including anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, chronic stress, and even communication difficulties. It’s a powerful tool that helps the brain process stuck experiences, so you can finally feel some relief.
Let’s break down what EMDR really is, how it works, and what you can expect if you try it.
How EMDR Works: A Brain-Based Approach
To understand EMDR, we have to talk about the brain for a second. (Don’t worry—I'll keep it simple.)
When something overwhelming or distressing happens—whether it’s a big “T” trauma like an accident, or a smaller but still impactful event like being embarrassed in school—your brain might not fully process it. Instead of storing the memory like a regular experience, it can get “stuck” in your nervous system, almost like it’s frozen in time.
And here’s the thing: even if you don’t consciously think about that event, your body remembers it. That’s why you might feel anxious in situations that seem harmless on the surface—or why your reactions feel “bigger” than the moment calls for. Your brain is reacting like that old experience is happening right now.
That’s where EMDR comes in.
The Role of Bilateral Stimulation
EMDR uses something called bilateral stimulation, which is a fancy way of saying it activates both sides of your brain—either through eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones that alternate left and right.
Why does that matter? Because it helps the emotional side of your brain (the limbic system) and the rational side (your prefrontal cortex) talk to each other.
When those two parts of your brain are in sync, the memory can finally be processed and moved to a “resolved” place in your mind. You might still remember the event, but it no longer feels as intense, painful, or overwhelming. Your body stops reacting like it’s happening all over again.
What EMDR Can Help With
While EMDR is most well-known for PTSD and trauma, it can also be helpful for:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and negative self-beliefs
Addiction and relapse triggers
Phobias and irrational fears
Relationship struggles and communication issues
Stress related to medical conditions or diagnoses
Nightmares and distressing dreams
Sometimes we don’t even realize that something needs to be processed until our body shows us through anxiety, avoidance, or feeling stuck. EMDR helps get to the root of those reactions, rather than just managing the symptoms.
What a Session Might Look Like
EMDR doesn’t require you to go into detail about every difficult thing you’ve experienced. In fact, one of the things people appreciate most is that you don’t have to “talk it all out” to heal.
We’ll start by identifying what’s bothering you now—maybe it’s a feeling, a belief about yourself, or a situation that’s causing distress. Then, through a structured process, we’ll use bilateral stimulation to help your brain begin processing it in a way that feels safer, more balanced, and more resolved.
Healing at the Root
EMDR isn’t magic, but it is science—and it can feel magical when you realize that the emotional charge you’ve been carrying for years finally feels lighter.
Whether it’s a traumatic event, a pattern of anxiety, or a belief that you’re not “good enough,” EMDR helps you get to the core of it, so you can move forward feeling more connected to yourself, your body, and your life.
Interested in EMDR? Let’s talk about whether it’s a good fit for you. You don’t have to go through this alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck. 💛
📞 Call: 630-945-5793
📧 Email: lmurray@thewellthinking.com
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