What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from trauma, distressing memories, and emotional wounds that may feel “stuck.” Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds, to help the brain reprocess difficult experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional weight.

When something overwhelming happens, our nervous system sometimes can’t fully process it, leaving the memory “frozen” in the body and mind. This can lead to symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, low self-worth, or feeling triggered in the present. EMDR helps the brain unlock and reprocess these memories in a safe and guided way, allowing you to move forward with more peace, clarity, and resilience.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

EMDR is a structured, 8-phase approach. It begins with creating a foundation of safety and coping skills, (read about the light stream resource in our blog) so you feel grounded before working with difficult memories. Together, we identify the experiences that continue to affect you. Through bilateral stimulation, your brain reprocesses these memories, shifting how they are stored. Over time, the painful charge lessens, and new, empowering beliefs take root.

Clients often describe EMDR as a gentle but transformative process—one that doesn’t require retelling every detail of what happened, but instead helps the body and mind naturally release what no longer serves you.

The Goal of EMDR

The aim is not to erase memories, but to change the way you carry them. EMDR helps you feel less “stuck in the past” and more present in your life, with greater freedom, self-trust, and ease.

EMDR therapy is a potent and powerful tool used to find the root of a problem which allows the brain to naturally resolve the issue.

Curious to learn more? Watch this short video on EMDR below.