What is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?
If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, trauma, or life experiences that feel like they still have a grip on you, you may have heard of EMDR therapy. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? Let’s break it down in a way that feels simple, approachable, and most importantly—helpful.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s an evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk in-depth about your trauma. Instead, it works by helping your brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming or emotionally charged.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR is based on the idea that our brains naturally know how to heal—just like our bodies do. When we experience something traumatic, though, our brain can get “stuck,” leaving us feeling anxious, triggered, or overwhelmed even years later. EMDR helps “unstick” these memories using a structured, eight-phase approach:
History & Treatment Planning – We explore what’s been bothering you and identify the memories or experiences we’ll focus on in therapy.
Preparation – I’ll walk you through what to expect and teach you coping strategies to help you feel safe and supported during and after sessions.
Assessment – We’ll pinpoint the specific thoughts, emotions, and body sensations tied to the memory.
Desensitization – Using eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation like tapping or sounds), we work through the memory, allowing your brain to reprocess it in a healthier way.
Installation – We replace negative beliefs with positive, more empowering ones.
Body Scan – We check in with how your body feels to ensure the distress has been fully processed.
Closure – We make sure you feel grounded and safe before wrapping up each session.
Reevaluation – In the next session, we review progress and determine if further work is needed.
Why EMDR Works So Well
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with the brain’s natural healing mechanisms. Studies show it can bring relief in fewer sessions compared to other forms of therapy. It’s particularly effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and even life transitions that feel emotionally overwhelming. You can learn more about EMDR on my website here.
What Makes EMDR Intensives Different?
Most people are used to weekly therapy sessions, but EMDR can also be done in an intensive format—where we work through multiple sessions in a short period (often over a few days). This allows for deeper healing in less time, making it a great option for those who want faster results without waiting months or years. Learn more about EMDR Intensives here.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you find yourself feeling stuck in old emotional patterns, struggling with past trauma, or even just wanting to feel lighter and more at ease, EMDR could be a powerful tool for you. And if you’re curious about how an EMDR intensive could help you heal more quickly, I’d love to chat about whether it’s a good fit for you.
Healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to explore EMDR therapy, reach out to learn more about how we can work together.
Interested in learning more about EMDR intensives? Stay tuned for the next post in this series!
About the Author
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and mom based in Walnut Creek, California. I specialize in supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, life transitions, and trauma. I offer in-person and virtual therapy across California, as well as EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives for deeper healing. Certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C), CBT and EMDR, I’m passionate about helping women feel seen, supported, and empowered—because you don’t have to do it alone.
Read more about me here.