Is EMDR Right for Me?
If you’ve been considering therapy, you may have come across the term EMDR and wondered what it’s all about. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—a mouthful of words that describes a powerful approach to healing trauma and difficult experiences. But what is it, how does it work, and how do you know if it’s right for you?
A brief history
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. She noticed that certain types of eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of distressing memories. Over time, her discovery was refined into a structured, evidence-based therapy that is now widely used around the world.
The eye movements used in EMDR are thought to mimic what happens naturally during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep—the stage of sleep where our brains process experiences and store memories. In a way, EMDR helps the brain “catch up” on processing experiences that were too overwhelming at the time they happened.
Today, EMDR is recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association as an effective treatment for trauma.
How EMDR works
When we go through something overwhelming or traumatic, our brains don’t always process the experience fully. It’s as if the memory gets “stuck,” along with the emotions, body sensations, and beliefs tied to it.
EMDR is based on what’s called the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. In simple terms, the model says that our brains are naturally designed to heal and make sense of experiences—just like the body heals from a cut or bruise. But when something is too intense, that natural process can get interrupted. The memory doesn’t get filed away properly and keeps showing up as if it’s still happening.
EMDR helps “unstick” those memories by re-activating the brain’s natural healing system. During a session, you’ll recall parts of a memory while also engaging in bilateral stimulation—for example, following a ball as it moves back and forth across the screen, or listening to sounds that alternate between your left and right ear. This gentle back-and-forth helps the brain reprocess the memory so it loses its painful intensity and can be stored in a healthier, more adaptive way.
What EMDR is best for
EMDR is most well-known for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its use goes far beyond that. Many people benefit from EMDR for:
Single-event trauma (such as accidents, assaults, or medical emergencies)
Ongoing or complex trauma (including childhood experiences or long-term stress)
Anxiety and panic attacks
Phobias
Grief and loss
Negative self-beliefs (like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m powerless”)
Is EMDR right for you?
If you’ve tried talking about your experiences but still feel stuck… if certain memories replay in your mind or show up in your body with intensity… or if you’re ready for a different way of approaching healing, EMDR may be a good fit.
It’s important to remember that EMDR isn’t about erasing memories—it’s about changing your relationship to them. You don’t forget what happened, but the memories lose their grip. Many people describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more able to move forward.
Every person’s journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all in therapy. If you’re curious about EMDR, a first step is to talk with a therapist trained in the approach and see if it feels right for you.
Curious to learn more? Schedule a free consultation to explore whether EMDR might be a good fit for you.
