EMDR: What is it, does it help, and is it weird?
Let’s talk about EMDR. Yep, that’s one of those therapy acronyms that sounds like a tech gadget or a government agency—but it’s actually a powerful, research-backed way to help people heal from trauma. And no, it’s not hypnosis. And you won’t have to share your deepest secrets with a stranger while holding crystals (although if you’re into crystals, we’re not judging).
First things first—what does EMDR stand for?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. (Say that three times fast.) It was developed in the late ’80s and has since become one of the most effective ways to process trauma—especially the kind that lingers in your body and brain, long after the stressful event has passed.
So how does it work?
In very simplified terms: EMDR helps your brain unstick the memories that are causing you distress. When we experience something overwhelming—whether it’s a big-T Trauma like a car accident or a small-t trauma like years of subtle emotional neglect—our brains sometimes store those memories in a kind of “raw” state. That means you can get triggered by seemingly random things (a smell, a comment, a sound) and suddenly feel like you’re right back in that moment, even if it happened 10 years ago.
With EMDR, we guide your brain through a process that helps it refile those memories in a way that’s less emotionally charged. It doesn’t erase what happened—it just helps your nervous system finally stop reliving it like it’s happening right now.
What does a session actually look like?
Honestly? It can look a little weird if you’re not used to it. You might be asked to follow a light or your therapist’s fingers back and forth with your eyes. Or you might hold buzzers that gently tap in each hand, or wear headphones that alternate sounds between your ears. This “bilateral stimulation” is part of what helps your brain do its reprocessing magic.
While you’re doing that, you’ll focus briefly on specific memories, body sensations, or thoughts. It’s a structured process, and you’re never thrown in the deep end—we go at your pace.
Some people say it feels like “weird dreaming while awake.” Others say it’s like cleaning out a cluttered closet in their brain. The general vibe: a little strange, surprisingly powerful.
What kind of trauma does EMDR help with?
Here’s the cool part—EMDR isn’t just for people who’ve experienced one major traumatic event like an abusive situation or a scary car accident (though it helps there, too). It’s also great for:
The kid who was always picked last in gym class and still hears that voice in their head
The adult who can’t get past a breakup from five years ago that thinks they should be over but still hurts
The person who grew up in a house where they were constantly walking on eggshells
The medical trauma you didn’t even realize was trauma
Anxiety that seems to have no root cause—but actually totally does
What training have we completed here at Moxie?
We’re so glad you asked. EMDR isn’t something therapists just wing (that would be terrifying). I am an EMDR-trained therapist and have completed Level 1 and Level 2 training through an EMDRIA-approved provider (EMDRIA = the official body that oversees quality EMDR education).
Is EMDR right for you?
Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on your goals, what you’re working through, and where you are in your healing journey. But if talk therapy alone hasn’t helped you feel like you’re actually moving forward, EMDR might be worth a try.
You don’t have to have “capital-T Trauma” to benefit. You just need a brain that’s holding onto stress in a way that’s getting in your way.
We’re here to answer questions, walk you through the process, and create a plan that fits you. No pressure. No rush. No finger wagging. Just support, curiosity, and a lot of compassion.
Ready to chat about whether EMDR might be a fit for you? Contact me for a free 20-minute consultation call. I’d love to chat!
