What Is EMDR and Is This Trauma Therapy Right for You?
- Alex Goreham
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Some experiences don’t stay in the past. You might be doing your best to move forward as you work, parent, and manage daily life. Yet something still pulls you back, whether it’s a memory, a feeling, or a reaction you can’t explain.
Trauma doesn’t always show up as flashbacks or panic attacks. Sometimes, it’s subtle: a sense of unease, a pattern you can’t break, a part of yourself that feels stuck.
Luckily, there are numerous types of therapy available, and one of them is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
If you’re wondering what EMDR therapy is or if it could help you or someone you love, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more about how EMDR for trauma works, what to expect, and why it’s become a trusted approach to trauma recovery.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed in the late 1980s. EMDR was designed to help people process traumatic memories that haven’t been fully resolved by the brain.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on discussing the trauma in detail and more on changing how those memories are stored. The core of EMDR involves recalling a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, usually through side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sound. These actions help the brain reprocess the experience in a way that reduces its emotional charge.
In short, EMDR helps the brain file trauma memories properly so they no longer feel like they’re happening in the present.
How EMDR Works: A Step-by-Step Process
EMDR therapy follows eight structured phases, but if you’re just starting out, here’s what you can expect during the early sessions:
1. Preparation
We’ll take time to build trust and explain the process. This includes discussing your goals, walking through what EMDR involves, and ensuring you feel ready before any reprocessing work begins.
2. Assessment
We identify the specific memory (or memories) that cause distress. These may be recent events or older experiences tied to patterns you want to change.
3. Desensitization and Reprocessing
While you recall key elements of the memory, your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation. This step helps the brain unlink painful emotions from the memory itself.
4. Installation and Closure
We reinforce positive beliefs and ensure you’re emotionally grounded before ending each session. You’ll never be rushed or left overwhelmed.
EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain aware and in control throughout the process. What changes is how your brain holds onto painful experiences — and how much power they have over you going forward.
EMDR for Trauma: What It Can Treat
We’ve seen EMDR therapy help individuals across a wide range of concerns and not just those with a formal PTSD diagnosis.
Some examples include:
Childhood neglect or abuse
Sexual assault and domestic violence
Grief after sudden loss
Medical trauma or accidents
Emotional wounds from past relationships
Many of the people we work with didn’t think they “qualified” as having trauma, but trauma isn’t defined by how dramatic it looks — it’s about how deeply it affected you.
If a memory still triggers distress, self-doubt, or avoidance, it may be worth exploring with a trained EMDR therapist.
Common Misconceptions About EMDR
Despite its growing popularity, there are still a few myths that cause hesitation. Let’s address some of the most common ones:
“It’s a quick fix.”: EMDR is effective, but it’s not magic. Healing still takes time, especially when trauma runs deep.
“You’ll have to relive every painful detail.”: This isn’t true. Unlike some therapies, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk extensively about what happened. The focus is on reprocessing, not retelling.
“It only works for PTSD.”: Research shows EMDR can help with a broad spectrum of emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, and grief.
“It’s experimental or fringe.”: EMDR is well-researched and endorsed by the American Psychological Association, Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization.
When done by a properly trained clinician, EMDR is both safe and effective.
Are You Considering EMDR Therapy? Here’s What To Expect
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to start. If you’ve experienced something that still feels unresolved, EMDR may be worth exploring.
We start with a consultation. Together, we’ll decide if this modality fits your goals and needs. If it doesn’t, we’ll help you find something that does.
If it does, we’ll walk you through it — one phase at a time.
EMDR Therapy at Life Redefined
Our licensed therapists are EMDR-certified and experienced in treating trauma in its many forms. We create a space that feels emotionally and physically safe, starting with the first conversation.
No one gets rushed into reprocessing. We take time to prepare, educate, and empower you at every stage.
We also understand the local context. Many of our clients come from nearby Illinois communities like Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Naperville. Whether you’re a parent, professional, student, or someone quietly carrying unspoken pain, we’re here to help you move forward with care and clarity.
We’re Ready When You Are.
If you’re curious about EMDR for trauma, grief, or lingering stress, we’re ready to listen.
Start a conversation today, and let’s figure things out together — on your terms, in your time.