
What is EMDR?
A type of therapy that is particularly effective for helping people process and heal from distressing memories or experiences, such as those related to trauma. The therapy involves a structured process where we use bilateral stimulation, which usually involves following a set of hand movements with your eyes. These movements help your brain reprocess memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge, making them easier to manage.
The basic idea is that when you experience a traumatic event, your brain might not fully process the memory, and it can get stuck in a way that causes ongoing emotional and physical reactions. EMDR helps “unlock” these memories, allowing your brain to store them in a healthier way, so they no longer cause the intense emotional reactions they once did.
What to Expect
During the therapy, you’ll be asked to think about the troubling memory while focusing on the bilateral stimulation, which can help your brain reprocess the memory more adaptively. Over time, this process can lead to significant emotional relief, helping you feel more in control and less overwhelmed by past experiences.
EMDR is a gentle but powerful approach, and many people find it to be a very effective way to move past trauma and improve emotional well-being.