Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Understanding EMDR: How Your Brain Can Heal From Trauma
Have you ever wished your mind could just "move on" from a painful memory, but no matter how hard you try, it lingers? Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that offers a unique, evidence-based way to help your brain reprocess difficult experiences so that they no longer carry the same emotional weight.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) – such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones – to stimulate both sides of the brain. This process mirrors what your brain naturally does during REM (dream) sleep, and helps you process and “file away” disturbing memories in a more effective way.
EMDR doesn’t erase memories. Instead, it helps your brain process, integrate, and deal with them. You may still recall the memory, but the emotional sting, the flashbacks, the nightmares, and the physical tension often fade substantially.
How Trauma Disrupts the Brain
Your brain is designed to process daily experiences, sort them, and store them in a way that makes sense. But when you go through something traumatic – whether a single event or a series of painful experiences – some memories can get ‘stuck’. These memories may remain as if in a ‘frozen’ state, carrying with them intense emotions, negative self-beliefs, vivid images, and even physical sensations and other sensory reminders.
This is where EMDR comes in. It helps your brain finish processing the memory of the experience(s) so that you can heal and recover.
What Can EMDR Help With?
Research has shown EMDR to be effective for a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
Panic attacks and phobias
Anxiety and chronic stress
Sexual and/or physical abuse
Obsessive-Compulsive symptoms
Complicated grief
Disturbing or intrusive memories
Addictive behaviours and other unhelpful patterns of behaviour
Whether you’ve experienced a major trauma or are dealing with persistent emotional distress, EMDR may help you move forward in your healing process.
What to Expect During EMDR Therapy
One of the unique aspects of EMDR is that it involves very little talking, especially compared to some other forms of trauma therapy. You won’t need to recount every detail of your trauma aloud. Instead, after preparation – which may include some recollection and discussion of the traumatic or distressing event(s) – your therapist will guide you through sets of bilateral stimulation while you focus on specific thoughts or memories.
There’s no medication involved, and no take-home assignments or "homework." Sessions are paced according to your needs, and safety and stability are always prioritised.
Benefits May Include:
Reduced emotional distress associated with a memory
Physical symptoms (such as tension, nausea, or feelings of heart palpitations) decreasing or disappearing
Disturbing images and/or nightmares becoming less vivid or harder to recall
A shift in how you view yourself and the past
You’ll still remember the experience, although it is possible that aspects of your recall and your perspective of that memory will change in some way, but it no longer feels out of control and overwhelming.
Are There Risks?
As with any therapy, there are things to be aware of. These include:
Old or related memories may surface. This is normal and often a sign of the brain’s natural healing process reactivating. Your therapist will assist you to process these memories also, if required.
Strong emotions or body sensations might arise during or after sessions. Your therapist will assist you to learn way to manage these if they occur, if you don’t already have strategies that work for you.
You may experience dreams, flashbacks, or unexpected thoughts or feelings between sessions.
For some people, particularly those with a history of dissociative symptoms, EMDR may need to proceed more slowly and carefully. However, if EMDR 2.0 is used, this delay may be more readily mitigated.
In rare cases, suicidal thoughts or urges to use substances may emerge. It’s essential to have a safety plan and strong support system in place – your therapist will help you to develop one.
If you’re involved in a legal, insurance, or compensation process, you should know that EMDR can change how you emotionally experience or recall an event. It’s wise to consult your legal advisor if this is a concern.
How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take?
EMDR is not a quick fix. The length of therapy varies depending on the nature and complexity of your experiences, how many memories need to be processed, and how your brain responds to treatment.
Some people notice significant shifts in just a few sessions, while others may need a longer-term approach. What’s most important is that the therapy is tailored to you – your pace, your needs, and your readiness.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you are pregnant, have certain medical conditions (like seizure disorders or heart issues), or are taking specific medications (such as benzodiazepines), it’s important to consult with your doctor before beginning EMDR.
High alcohol consumption or substance use can also interfere with the effectiveness of this therapy. If this is a concern for you, your therapist can help you explore options, such as learning healthier ways to regulate and cope before starting EMDR.
You therapist will take you through a screening process to identify any factors that could mean EMDR is not recommended for you, or if it’s not the best time to undertake EMDR.
After Your Session: What Happens Next?
It’s common for your brain to continue working on the memory even after the session ends. You might feel reflective, emotional, or even relieved. You may not notice anything in particular. It varies for each person. It is advisable to keep a journal or make notes of anything that comes up, and you can bring this to your next therapy session.
Before leaving each session, you’ll schedule a follow-up with your therapist so you can continue to work together safely and consistently.
In Summary
EMDR Therapy can be a powerful and often life-changing approach to healing trauma. It’s not always easy, and it’s not right for everyone, but for many people it offers a path toward genuine emotional relief and peace when undertaken with a trained, experienced therapist.
If you want to know more about EMDR, or wonder whether it can help you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Working through trauma and distress requires support, understanding, and a therapy that acknowledges and accounts for both your painful experiences and your potential for healing.
FAQs About EMDR
Q: What does EMDR stand for?
A: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It’s a therapy that helps people heal from traumatic or distressing experiences using bilateral stimulation.
Q: Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
A: No. EMDR doesn’t require you to share every detail. Your therapist will guide the process, and much of the work happens internally.
Q: Does EMDR erase my memory?
A: No, you’ll still remember the event, but the emotional intensity and distress often fade significantly.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: It depends on the complexity of your experiences and how your brain responds. EMDR is not typically a short-term treatment.
Q: Are there side effects?
A: You may experience strong emotions or vivid memories during or after a session. This is a normal part of the healing process and will be discussed with your therapist.
Q: Can anyone have EMDR therapy?
A: Most people can, but those who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, or are using certain medications should speak with a medical professional first.
Q: What if I’m involved in a legal or insurance case?
A: EMDR may change how you recall events. It’s best to speak with your lawyer before starting if this applies to you.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition. If you are in crisis or need urgent help, please contact emergency services or a mental health support service in your area.
