EMDR Therapy: Heal from Past Wounds
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That’s a big name, but here’s what it really means: it’s a special kind of therapy that helps your brain heal from scary or upsetting memories.
Think of your brain like a filing cabinet. When something really good happens, your brain files it away nicely. But when something scary or sad happens, sometimes your brain gets confused and doesn’t file it properly. It’s like that memory gets stuck, and it keeps bothering you even though the bad thing is over.
EMDR helps your brain finish the filing job so those memories don’t hurt as much anymore.
How Does Reprocessing a Memory Work?
During memory reprocessing, you’ll sit with your therapist and think about the upsetting memory while doing something simple with your eyes or hands. Your therapist might:
Move their finger back and forth while you follow it with your eyes (like watching a slow tennis match).
Give you buzzers to hold that vibrate gently in your hands, one side then the other,
Play sounds that alternate between your left and right ear.
This might sound strange, but here’s the cool part: while you’re doing this, your brain starts working on that stuck memory. It’s like giving your brain a little nudge to say, “Hey, you can finish filing this now.”
But EMDR is More Than Memory Work
A lot of people think EMDR is only about processing difficult memories, but that’s just one part. EMDR is really about building you up with the tools, skills, and understanding you need to heal.
Before we ever work on hard memories, we spend time helping you build inner strengths and calming skills. We help you understand how trauma affects your brain and body, teach you how to manage overwhelming emotions, and create safe mental spaces you can return to whenever you need them.
Think of it like preparing for a hike. You wouldn’t head up a mountain without the right gear, a map, and knowing how to use them. EMDR works the same way. We make sure you have everything you need before we start the climb. By the time therapy is complete, you’ll have processed difficult experiences and gained lasting skills for handling whatever life brings.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR can help lots of people, but the best way to know is to talk with a trained therapist. At Storywell Counseling, our therapists are specially trained in EMDR and can help you figure out if it’s a good fit for you.
Questions about EMDR
“How long does EMDR therapy take?
There’s no set timeline for EMDR therapy because everyone’s healing journey is different. We always start by building a trusting relationship and creating a foundation of safety before we ever touch difficult memories. Your therapist will teach you practical skills and techniques to manage any distress that comes up during therapy. Think of it this way: we’re not going to drop you in the middle of the ocean without a life vest. Instead, we’ll help you build a sturdy boat and teach you how to row it. That way, you have what you need to navigate the waves and reach the shore not just during therapy, but long after our work together is done.
If you want to experience accelerated healing, check out our EMDR Intensive Therapy options.
“Will I have to talk about every detail of what happened?”
Nope! You only share what you’re comfortable sharing.
“Do I have to close my eyes?”
Not unless you want to.
Can I do EMDR through telehealth?
Absolutely! EMDR therapy works just as effectively through telehealth as it does in person. We use secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions so you can do this important work from wherever you feel most comfortable. Many clients actually prefer telehealth for EMDR because they’re already in a safe, familiar space. There’s something powerful about processing difficult memories in a place where you feel completely at ease, and then being able to decompress in your own environment afterward. Whether you choose in-person or virtual sessions, the therapy is equally effective. It’s all about what feels right for you.
“Will it make me forget what happened?”
No. The memory will still be there, but it won’t bother you as much. It’s like the difference between touching a hot stove (ouch!) and remembering you once touched a hot stove (just a memory).