EMDR Therapy: Helping the Nervous System get "Unstuck"

When we hear the word trauma, many of us imagine major, life-threatening events. But trauma isn’t just about what happened—it’s about how our nervous system experienced it.

Experiences like chronic stress, emotional neglect, bullying, accidents, medical procedures, or growing up in unpredictable environments can leave lasting imprints on the mind and body. Even if these events are in the past, their effects can show up today as anxiety, emotional overwhelm, low self-worth, or a persistent sense of distress.

Our brains are naturally wired to heal. Just as the body knows how to mend a physical wound, the mind can process and integrate difficult experiences. But when something is too overwhelming, sudden, or repeated—especially without support—this natural processing can get interrupted. These “stuck” experiences can continue influencing how we feel, think, and respond long after the event.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps the brain complete this healing process. Rather than only talking about the past, EMDR works with how experiences are stored in the mind and body, allowing them to be processed in a safer, more integrated way.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that emotional difficulties often stem from experiences that haven’t been fully processed by the brain. Normally, with enough safety and support, the brain stores memories in a way that allows us to recall them without becoming emotionally overwhelmed.

But intense or repeated experiences may be stored along with the original emotions, body sensations, and beliefs formed at the time—like “I’m not safe” or “Something is wrong with me.” Because these memories remain unprocessed, they can be easily triggered—even when the danger has passed.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or gentle tapping, within a safe therapeutic relationship to help the brain reprocess these experiences. Over time, memories feel less distressing, more distant, and less controlling over present-day emotions and reactions.

In EMDR, symptoms are not signs of weakness—they are signals that the brain is seeking support to heal.

What's the Process of EMDR Therapy?

1. History Taking & Treatment Planning – Your therapist learns about your current symptoms, strengths, goals, and past and present experiences to identify what to focus on.

2. Preparation – You learn grounding and coping skills to feel safe and supported.

3. Assessment – Specific memories are identified along with the thoughts, emotions, and body sensations connected to them.

4. Desensitization – Bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess memories while distress gradually reduces.

5. Installation – Positive, adaptive beliefs are strengthened and linked to the memory.

6. Body Scan – You notice and release any remaining tension or discomfort.

7. Closure – Each session ends with grounding and stabilization to leave feeling settled.

8. Re-evaluation – Progress is reviewed at the next session to guide next steps.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR helps people feeling stuck in emotional patterns linked to past or ongoing distress. It is commonly used for trauma and post-traumatic stress, but it is also helpful for:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

• Depression and low self-worth

• Childhood trauma, emotional neglect, or attachment wounds

• Stress from accidents, medical procedures, or injuries

• Grief and loss

• Performance anxiety or work stress

• Life transitions or relationship challenges

EMDR is suitable for adults, adolescents, and children. It is paced according to the individual’s readiness and capacity. EMDR is a three-pronged approach, addressing past experiences, present triggers, and building skills for future challenges.

Not being “immediately suitable” for EMDR doesn’t mean it's off the table. Often, therapists help clients build safety and coping skills first, so that EMDR can be therapeutically effective later.

Some people may need support before starting EMDR:

• Those in current crisis or unsafe situations

• Individuals with intense emotional regulation difficulties

• Individuals experiencing active and severe mental health symptoms (e.g., dissociation, psychosis, unmanaged substance use)

• Individuals involved in ongoing legal cases, as EMDR can alter memory details

• Individuals taking benzodiazepines or similar medications, which may reduce access to emotions and memories

If you’re curious about EMDR and whether it could help you, contact Preeti Rane or schedule a free consultation here. To learn more about therapies that support nervous system recovery, check out our blog post on Dance/Movement Therapy.