EMDR Therapy

Updated: Aug 10

A gentle, structured way to support healing after distressing experiences

If you’ve been through something overwhelming, painful, or hard to make sense of, it’s common for those experiences to linger—showing up in your body, thoughts, or emotions long after the moment has passed.

EMDR therapy offers a way to support your brain and nervous system in gently processing what couldn’t be fully processed at the time. It’s not about reliving the past—it’s about helping the past stop feeling like it’s still happening.

This page offers a brief overview of what EMDR is, how it works, and why it might support your journey.

"Exploring Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): The focus on eye movements in therapeutic healing."

What Is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a well-researched, evidence-based therapy recommended by the World Health Organization, the Australian Guidelines for PTSD Treatment, and many other international mental health bodies.

What makes EMDR different from many forms of talk therapy is that it incorporates bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements—to support the brain and nervous system in reprocessing experiences that feel “stuck.”

Why Trauma Sometimes Stays “Stuck”

When something overwhelming happens, the brain’s threat response system goes into high alert. In some cases, that experience isn’t stored like a typical memory. Instead, it may remain raw and unprocessed—like it’s still happening now.

You might notice:

Flashbacks or vivid memories
Strong emotional surges or panic
Physical sensations like nausea, tightness, or a racing heart

This is because three areas of the brain respond to trauma:

Amygdala – the alarm system, scanning constantly for danger
Hippocampus – where memories are filed and organised (disrupted under trauma)
Prefrontal cortex – helps with emotional regulation, but can go “offline” when overwhelmed

How EMDR Supports Healing

EMDR helps your brain do what it naturally wants to do: process, integrate, and resolve distress. During EMDR sessions, your therapist will guide you through brief sets of bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or alternating tones) while you bring to mind a memory, emotion, image, or belief.

This process activates the brain’s natural healing system.

It can help:

Calm the amygdala, so you feel less under threat
Support memory integration, so past events feel like the past
Strengthen emotional regulation, helping you feel more steady and in control

You don’t need to talk in detail about the memory. EMDR doesn’t require you to “retell” your story—it works with how the memory is stored in your nervous system.

Why EMDR Feels Different

EMDR isn’t about analysing or problem-solving. It’s about supporting your brain to do the healing work in its own way, at your own pace.

It may feel right for you if:

Talking about the past feels too overwhelming
You’ve tried other therapies and still feel “stuck”
You don’t have words for what happened, but your body remembers

What the Research Says

EMDR has been widely studied and is considered one of the most effective therapies for trauma. Research shows:

Lasting symptom relief for PTSD, often in fewer sessions than CBT
Brain changes during EMDR—like decreased activation in the amygdala and increased regulation from the prefrontal cortex
Positive outcomes across a range of issues—not just trauma—including anxiety, phobias, grief, chronic pain, and more

Who Can EMDR Help?

EMDR may be helpful if you’re experiencing:

Single-incident trauma (e.g. car accidents, assaults, medical events)
Complex trauma or childhood experiences
Anxiety, panic, or phobias
Grief, loss, or life transitions
Low self-worth or persistent shame
Burnout or compassion fatigue
Chronic pain or body-based distress
Neurodivergent stress responses (especially in autism and ADHD)

What Happens First: Resourcing and Grounding

Before beginning any memory reprocessing, EMDR includes a preparation phase. This might involve:

Learning ways to ground and calm your body
Creating a calm place in your mind
Developing a “container” for overwhelming thoughts or images
Practising visual or sensory-based regulation strategies

A Flexible, Trauma-Informed Approach

EMDR isn’t about rushing or “getting over it.” It’s about meeting your system where it’s at, and supporting healing at a pace that feels manageable.

Some memories shift quickly. Others take time. There’s no right speed. You’re in charge of the pace, and we adjust together as we go. EMDR doesn’t erase memories. But it can help reduce the emotional intensity, the physical reactions, and the sense that the past is still running your present.

Explore More EMDR Resources

Links to other reflective tools and guides that can support your EMDR journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail?

No. You can share as little or as much as feels right. EMDR is focused on how the memory is stored, not how well you can describe it.

What if I don’t know what’s “wrong”?

That’s okay. EMDR doesn’t require a clear story. Sometimes we begin with body sensations, emotions, or images—even if there’s no specific memory.

Is EMDR safe for everyone?

EMDR can be adapted to suit each person’s needs. If something feels like too much, the process can be paused. Resourcing and stabilisation are prioritised before moving further.

Disclaimer

This post provides general information about EMDR therapy and how it may support healing from distress or trauma. It’s not a substitute for personalised therapeutic advice. Everyone’s journey is unique, and not every approach suits every person. If you’re considering EMDR, a qualified practitioner can help you explore whether it’s the right fit for you right now.

Some links in this post lead to external resources that others have found helpful. These are shared for information only, and I can’t guarantee their content or approach will be the right fit for everyone. Trust your judgment, and take what’s useful.