Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that helps people process and heal from traumatic or distressing memories. It uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while recalling those experiences to reduce their emotional impact and support healthier responses.
The hallmark of EMDR is bilateral stimulation (BLS). Traditionally, clients follow the therapist’s finger as it moves back and forth. This simple movement helps the brain begin to reprocess distressing memories. It also supports communication between the left and right sides of the brain, which allows the memory to be processed in a more complete and adaptive way. As this happens, the emotional intensity connected to the memory often begins to fade. Over time, the memory becomes less intrusive and easier to manage in daily life.
In my practice, I mainly use tappers that clients hold in each hand. These small devices create alternating vibrations that provide bilateral stimulation without requiring eye movement. Many clients find this method more comfortable and easier to focus on, especially if they feel overwhelmed. It also allows clients to stay more grounded during the session, which can make the process feel safer and more controlled.
EMDR does not change what happened in the past. Instead, it helps clients change how they experience and relate to those memories. Through this process, clients can reframe painful experiences from a more neutral and balanced perspective. For example, someone who experienced verbal abuse in childhood may carry the belief, “I am powerless.” With guidance and support, they can reprocess that belief and begin to adopt a healthier one, such as “I now have choices” or “I am in control of my life today.”
I truly enjoy using EMDR in my practice because of the changes I see in my clients. Many people come in feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by past experiences that continue to affect their present lives. EMDR gives them a way to work through those experiences in a structured and supportive environment. Clients often gain meaningful insights during the process, and those insights can lead to lasting change. It is powerful to watch someone move from feeling overwhelmed by trauma to feeling more grounded, confident, and resilient.