May 14, 2025
What Is EMDR Therapy? A Trauma Therapist Explains
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a trauma-focused therapy that helps your brain and body reprocess distressing experiences so they no longer feel overwhelming or stuck in the present. It was originally developed for PTSD, but research and experience show it’s also incredibly effective for:
- Anxiety
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
- Childhood emotional neglect
- Panic attacks
- Perfectionism and burnout
- Self-worth struggles rooted in past wounds
How Does EMDR Work?
Think of your brain like a filing system. When something overwhelming happens—especially in childhood—your brain might not fully process the experience. It gets “stuck” in your nervous system, triggering anxiety, reactivity, or emotional shutdown later in life.
EMDR helps your brain finish the processing so the memory no longer carries the same emotional charge. This is done using bilateral stimulation, which can involve eye movements, tapping, or sound. While that’s happening, we gently guide you through the memory with safety and structure.
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
- You won’t be diving into trauma on day one. The first few sessions focus on:
- Building trust and emotional safety
- Learning calming tools for your nervous system
- Identifying the root memories or beliefs causing distress
- Only when you feel ready, we’ll begin reprocessing—with lots of support and grounding along the way.
Clients often say EMDR feels different from traditional talk therapy—less like reliving the past, and more like releasing it.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
- If you’ve tried other kinds of therapy and still feel stuck…
- If you keep repeating patterns but don’t know why…
- If your anxiety feels rooted in something deeper…
Then EMDR might be a great fit for you.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re in-person in Jacksonville, North Carolina or online in North Carolina and are curious about EMDR therapy, I’d love to answer your questions and help you explore whether it’s right for you.
Contact me here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Let’s help your nervous system find peace again.
