Demystifying EMDR Therapy: How It Works and Why It’s Effective

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy often sounds mysterious to those first hearing about it. The name itself can be intimidating, and descriptions involving eye movements or bilateral stimulation may seem unusual compared to traditional talk therapy. Yet EMDR has become one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for trauma and many other mental health conditions.

What Exactly Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. Initially created to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it’s now used to address various conditions including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Phobias
• Grief and loss
• Childhood trauma
• Complex trauma
• Performance anxiety

At its core, EMDR helps the brain process distressing memories that have become “stuck” in the nervous system. These unprocessed memories can trigger negative emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations long after the original event.

How Does EMDR Actually Work?

The therapy follows an eight-phase protocol that systematically addresses past experiences, current triggers, and future concerns:

1. History-Taking and Treatment Planning

Your therapist gathers information about your history and identifies specific memories to target.

2. Preparation

You’ll learn coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage emotional distress that might arise during processing.

3. Assessment

Together with your therapist, you’ll identify specific aspects of target memories, including:

• The most disturbing image
• Negative beliefs about yourself connected to the memory
• Related emotions and physical sensations
• A positive belief you’d prefer to hold instead

4-7. Processing Phases

This is where the distinctive bilateral stimulation occurs. While focusing on the target memory, you’ll experience alternating side-to-side stimulation through:

• Eye movements (following your therapist’s fingers or a light bar)
• Tactile taps (on your hands or knees)
• Auditory tones (alternating between ears)

These bilateral movements seem to mimic the brain’s natural processing that occurs during REM sleep, helping to reprocess the memory so it no longer carries the same emotional charge.

8. Reevaluation

Your therapist will check progress at the beginning of each session and make adjustments as needed.

What EMDR Sessions Actually Feel Like

Many clients worry about what will happen during EMDR processing. Here’s what you might experience:

• You’ll remain fully conscious and aware throughout the session
• You don’t need to talk in detail about traumatic experiences
• The bilateral stimulation typically lasts for 30-60 second sets
• Between sets, you’ll briefly report what you noticed (images, thoughts, feelings, or body sensations)
• Your therapist guides the process but doesn’t interpret or direct your experience
• Processing often follows unexpected paths as your brain makes its own connections

Most importantly, the therapist creates a safe environment where you can process difficult memories without becoming overwhelmed.

Common Questions About EMDR

“Will I have to relive my trauma?”

No. EMDR involves recalling memories briefly, but with a dual focus on the past and present moment. This “dual awareness” helps you process memories without becoming overwhelmed.

“How quickly does EMDR work?”

EMDR can sometimes work faster than traditional talk therapy, particularly for single-incident trauma. Research shows that some people experience significant relief in as few as 3-12 sessions, though complex trauma typically requires more time.

“Is EMDR just a technique or a complete therapy?”

EMDR is a comprehensive psychotherapy approach with its own methodology, theory, and protocols—not just a technique added to other therapies.

“Will I forget what happened to me?”

No. EMDR doesn’t erase memories. Instead, it changes how these memories are stored in your brain. After successful treatment, memories become less intrusive and emotionally charged.

The Science Behind EMDR

EMDR’s effectiveness is supported by over 30 randomized controlled studies. Organizations including the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs recognize it as an effective treatment for trauma.

Brain imaging studies suggest EMDR helps shift processing from the emotional centers of the brain to the rational, analytical regions. This explains why many clients report that memories feel “more distant” or “like they happened to someone else” after treatment.

Signs EMDR Might Be Right for You

Consider EMDR if you:

• Find yourself triggered by memories of difficult past experiences
• Experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
• Notice patterns of emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to current situations
• Feel “stuck” in therapy despite intellectual understanding of your issues
• Have difficulty talking about traumatic experiences in detail
• Experience physical symptoms connected to emotional distress

Taking the Next Step

If you’re curious about whether EMDR might help with your specific concerns, we invite you to reach out. Our therapists are extensively trained in EMDR and can help determine if this approach matches your needs.

Many clients tell us that EMDR was transformative after years of struggling with traditional approaches. The relief of processing long-held emotional pain often creates space for new possibilities and growth.

We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the process of healing.

Our EMDR Specialists at Centre Wellness

Centre Wellness is proud to offer EMDR therapy with highly qualified psychologists and psychotherapists who utilize this evidence-based treatment. To schedule a session, contact our office directly. We look forward to supporting you on your healing journey.