EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy used to help individuals process trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or tones—to help the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions.

At Solace Family Counseling, EMDR therapy is used to address both single-incident trauma and complex, long-standing emotional wounds in a safe, structured, and client-centered way.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-supported, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people heal from trauma, distressing experiences, and intrusive memories by enabling the brain to process painful events more adaptively. Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, EMDR uses structured bilateral stimulation to help the nervous system reprocess memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional distress.

EMDR has been used worldwide by thousands of trained clinicians to treat conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, phobias, and other trauma-related symptoms.

How the EMDR Process Works (What to Expect)

Below is a client’s view of how EMDR typically unfolds. Each person’s journey is unique; your therapist will move at your pace.

Phase 1: History Taking & Treatment Planning

We begin by getting to know you — your history, your current symptoms, what you hope for, and which memories or themes may be the most helpful to target first. Your therapist will also assess your strengths, coping resources, and readiness for EMDR.

Phase 2: Preparation

We will explain the method, set expectations, practice techniques to help you stay grounded (e.g., relaxation, safe place imagery, self-soothing skills), and ensure you feel safe and supported before we begin processing. You may also try out the bilateral stimulation (eye movements, alternating taps, sounds) in a low-emotion context.

Phase 3: Assessment

We choose a specific “target” memory to work with. You’ll be asked to identify components of a distressing memory such as an image, a negative belief or thought, emotions, body sensations, and a desired positive belief you’d rather hold instead. Baseline measures (how much disturbance you feel, how strongly you believe the positive statement) are recorded.

Phase 4: Desensitization (Reprocessing)

With that memory in mind, you focus just enough to maintain awareness of the disturbing image/emotion/sensation while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g. side-to-side eye movements, tapping, auditory tones). After each set of stimulation, you report what comes up (thoughts, images, emotions, physical changes). This process continues in sets until the memory becomes significantly less distressing. You’re in control the whole time, and you can pause or slow down at any moment.

Phase 5: Installation

Once the distress is diminished, we shift to strengthening a positive belief (for example, “I am safe now,” “I am capable”) associated with that memory, installing it using bilateral stimulation so it becomes more solidified.

Phase 6: Body Scan

You bring to mind the target event plus your new positive belief and scan your body for any residual physical tension or sensations. If any distress remains, additional processing may be done.

Phase 7: Closure

At the end of each session, if the memory hasn’t been fully processed, we bring you back to a place of stability using grounding or resource techniques. You will always leave in a safe emotional state, even if more work is needed.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the beginning of subsequent sessions, we revisit prior targets, assess shifts (any new or residual distress, changes in beliefs or body sensations), and plan the next steps. This ensures that progress is maintained and integrated.

Benefits of EMDR for Trauma Survivors

• Rapid symptom relief – EMDR often brings changes more rapidly than traditional talk therapy alone—clients may experience relief from intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares sooner.
• Less verbal retelling – Unlike exposure-based therapies that require narrating traumatic events, EMDR doesn’t require detailed, repeated retelling. Instead, it works with memory networks and the brain’s natural processing.
• Healing across past, present, and future – EMDR addresses past painful memories and how you respond to present triggers, while building capacity to cope with future challenges.
• Symptom reduction for trauma and related conditions – EMDR has demonstrated effectiveness for PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and other trauma-related conditions.
• Neurobiological healing – By supporting your brain’s own adaptive information processing system (per the Adaptive Information Processing model), EMDR helps “unstick” traumatic memory networks and allows more adaptive, healthier associations to form.
• Enhanced sense of agency – Clients often report a shift in how they see themselves—less shame, guilt, fear; more empowerment, self-compassion, and stability.

Who Can EMDR Help?

EMDR is most well-studied and recommended for:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Trauma and adverse life events
• Anxiety and panic
• Depression and low self-esteem
• Phobias and stress responses

It may also support healing in other conditions when part of a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique history and needs.

What to Expect in EMDR Sessions

• Mixed sensations and emotions. As you process, multiple thoughts, images, or physical sensations may shift. Some may come forward, others recede. This dynamic flow is a sign the brain is working.
• Control and pacing. You are never forced to process faster than feels safe. If at any point you feel overwhelmed, the bilateral stimulation can be paused, and you can return to stabilization until you feel ready to continue.
• Between-session shifts. You may notice changes in how you view the memory, shifts in mood, or physical sensations after a session. Sometimes insights arise outside of therapy time.
• Variable pacing. Some traumatic targets may take only one or a few sessions to process; others (especially in complex or prolonged trauma) may require more time.
• Feeling more integrated. Over time, the memory is not erased but held in a healthier way—you can remember the event without reliving it emotionally.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR is a powerful tool, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re curious whether EMDR might be a good fit for you, we’d be happy to talk through your history, your goals, and how we might tailor EMDR (or other trauma-sensitive approaches) to best support your healing. You can also visit EMDRIA.org to learn more about EMDR, view client resources, and explore the science behind this work.

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