healing from trauma with emdr therapy: A gentle Path to Recovery
Life can be tough. We all go through experiences that shake us—some big, some small, but all capable of leaving lasting marks on our hearts and minds. Maybe it’s a painful breakup that still stings, childhood experiences that shaped how you see yourself, or a major traumatic event that you can’t seem to move past. If you’ve ever felt stuck in painful memories or overwhelmed by emotions you don’t fully understand, you’re not alone. Healing is possible, and one therapy that has helped many people find peace is EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
What is EMDR?
EMDR therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps people heal from distressing memories and traumatic events. It was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since been widely recognized by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to dig deep into painful memories through words alone, nor does it require you to explain every detail of the event. Instead, it helps your brain process these memories in a way that allows you to finally move forward. The process uses bilateral stimulation—eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help rewire how memories are stored, so they stop feeling so overwhelming and intrusive.
EMDR for big and small traumas
When people hear the word trauma, they often think of major, life-altering events—car accidents, natural disasters, violence, or abuse. But trauma isn’t just about the “big” stuff. Sometimes, seemingly smaller experiences—like being bullied as a kid, feeling rejected, or dealing with constant criticism—can leave emotional scars that shape how we see ourselves and the world.
EMDR is effective for both big-T and small-t traumas:
Big-T Trauma: These are deeply distressing, often life-threatening events, such as assault, severe accidents, or losing a loved one unexpectedly.
Small-t Trauma: These may not seem as severe but can still affect our self-worth and mental health—things like an embarrassing moment at school, a breakup that still hurts, or always feeling like you weren’t “good enough.”
Even if you don’t think of your past experiences as “trauma,” they can still shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. EMDR helps shift how these memories impact you, allowing you to feel more in control of your emotions and responses.
How does emdr work?
EMDR follows a structured process, but at its core, it helps your brain reprocess painful experiences so they no longer have power over you. It’s like updating an old file on your computer so that it no longer triggers a crash every time you open it.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens in EMDR:
History – You and your therapist identify the memories or experiences that are affecting you.
Preparation – Your therapist explains the process of EMDR. More importantly, your therapist helps you build resilience, coping, stabilization strategies, and resourcing to help you handle any distress that comes up during processing.
Assessment – You focus on a specific memory, along with the emotions, thoughts, and body sensations tied to it.
Desensitization – With the help of eye movements, tapping, or sounds, you gradually reprocess the memory, making it feel less overwhelming.
Installation – You replace negative beliefs associated with the memory with more positive, empowering ones.
Body Scan – You check in with your body to ensure there’s no lingering distress.
Closure – Your therapist helps you feel grounded in the present moment by stabilizing emotions to ensure a smooth transition from the therapy session back to daily life.
Reevaluation – You and your therapist check in to assess the impact of any previous processing.
Many people describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more at peace after EMDR sessions, noticing shifts in how they react to past events and present challenges.
What does emdr feel like?
Think of it this way: Imagine watching an old, painful movie, but instead of feeling trapped in the emotions, you begin to feel like just an observer. Over time, the movie loses its intensity, and you’re able to walk away without feeling overwhelmed. That’s what EMDR does for your mind.
Some people say EMDR feels like finally being able to breathe after holding onto something heavy for too long. Others notice unexpected benefits—like improved confidence, better sleep, and healthier relationships.
is emdr right for you?
If you find yourself:
Stuck in painful memories
Feeling anxious, depressed, or emotionally exhausted
Struggling with self-doubt or negative self-talk
Reacting strongly to things that remind you of past pain
Wanting to heal but unsure how to move forward
EMDR could be a life-changing tool for you. Unlike traditional therapy, which often focuses on talking through issues, EMDR works with your brain’s natural healing process to create faster and deeper relief.
Virtual EMDR session using eye movements
working with laura
If you’re ready to explore EMDR as a path to healing, I’d love to support you on your journey. Working together, we’ll create a safe and supportive space where you can process past experiences, gain new insights, and move forward with greater ease and confidence.
You don’t have to carry the weight of the past forever. Healing is possible, and EMDR offers a gentle yet powerful way to process what’s been holding you back so you can move forward with greater peace, confidence, and emotional freedom.