EMDR Therapy: A trauma-focused approach

EMDR has become a major buzzword in therapy spaces over the past few years. Recent interviews have celebrities like Sandra Bullock, Miley Cyrus, and Prince Harry singing their praises, but does it really work? What is it?

What Is EMDR?

EMDR is a structured, integrative therapy developed to help people recover from trauma and emotional distress. It is a an evidence-based therapy that resolves traumatic memories so that they no longer feel as potent as they would otherwise. In many studies, those suffering with PTSD have seen their symptoms of disturbance virtually vanish.

Rather than focusing only on talking through what happened, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements or tapping—to help the brain reprocess unresolved memories. This allows painful experiences to become less triggering, less vivid, and less emotionally charged.

Clients often find that EMDR helps shift old patterns of shame, fear, or self-doubt, opening up new ways of relating to themselves and the world.

What Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, but it’s also highly effective for:

• Childhood trauma or neglect

• Anxiety and panic

• Phobias

• Grief and loss

• Relationship wounds

• Performance blocks (creative or professional)

• Low self-esteem rooted in past experiences

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

Before we begin EMDR, we’ll work together to build safety, grounding, and trust with each other. There will be some understanding behind the brain science behind EMDR and how it works, and then we’ll identify the experiences that continue to impact you today, and help prepare your nervous system to reprocess memories gently and at your own pace.

Through EMDR, you may feel a sense of relief, clarity, and self-compassion as the process progresses.

While EMDR is a trauma-focused approach to therapy, my approach is always relational and grounded in regard for your safety, pace, and personal considerations.

Is EMDR right for me?

If you’ve experienced a traumatic event and continue to feel effects as a result, EMDR can be an effective option. It’s a trauma-focused therapy that’s been clinically shown to reduce symptoms related to PTSD, adverse life experiences (ALEs), and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

EMDR can be especially effective if you’ve experienced childhood trauma or struggle with dissociation—feelings of being disconnected from yourself or your surroundings. Dissociation can cause confusion, distress, and leave you feeling isolated. EMDR offers a safe, structured way to work through those symptoms, and a way that works with your pace.

EMDR has also been shown to help with depression and anxiety. If either have been causing you significant distress, EMDR may be a good option as part of your healing process.