How EMDR Works: A Guide to Healing Through EMDR Therapy
When trauma lives in the body, it doesn’t just show up as memories—it lingers as triggers, anxiety, patterns, and physical symptoms. That’s why many people feel “stuck” even after years of talking about what happened. This is where EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) comes in. It’s not just another talk therapy—it’s a structured process designed to help your brain and body finally release what’s been trapped.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy originally developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It’s widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, trauma, and anxiety. Instead of focusing only on talking through your experiences, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—gentle eye movements, tapping, or sounds that alternate from left to right—to help the brain reprocess stuck memories.
Think of it like your brain’s natural healing system getting “unstuck,” much like how your body knows how to heal a physical wound when conditions are right.
How Trauma Gets “Stuck”
When something overwhelming happens, your brain’s normal memory-processing system can shut down. Instead of storing the experience as “something that happened in the past,” trauma memories remain raw and present—showing up in nightmares, flashbacks, or body reactions you can’t control.
That’s why trauma survivors often say, “I know I’m safe now, but my body doesn’t feel safe.”
How EMDR Works Step by Step
While every therapist has their own rhythm, EMDR generally follows eight structured phases:
History & Preparation
We talk about your story, triggers, and coping tools. You’ll also learn grounding techniques to help you feel safe before exploring difficult memories.Targeting the Memory
Together we identify the memory—or cluster of experiences—that feels “stuck.” This might be a big trauma or smaller, repeated moments. Keep in mind, you don’t have to know the exact memory to process through the trauma.Desensitization with Bilateral Stimulation
Through eye movements, tapping, or tones, your brain is guided to reprocess the memory. This isn’t about reliving the trauma—it’s about letting your brain move it into the past where it belongs.Reprocessing and Integration
As the memory shifts, distress fades. The old belief (“I’m powerless,” “I’m not good enough”) gets replaced with something more adaptive (“I survived,” “I’m strong,” “I’m safe now”).Body Scan & Closure
We check in with your nervous system, ensuring your body feels calmer and more grounded at the end of each session.
What It Feels Like
Many clients describe EMDR as both strange and powerful. You may notice new connections, vivid images, or sudden relief as your brain refiles the memory. Others feel gradual shifts: less reactivity, more calm, better sleep.
The beauty of EMDR is that you don’t have to retell your trauma in detail for it to work—your brain does the heavy lifting.
Why EMDR Works So Well
Targets the root cause, not just symptoms
Works with the body and nervous system, not against it
It is faster and more effective for trauma than traditional talk therapy alone
Backed by research: EMDR is recommended by organizations like the APA, VA, and WHO for trauma treatment
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’ve tried talk therapy but still feel stuck in old patterns…
If your body reacts even when your mind knows you’re safe…
If you want more than just coping—you want to heal…
Then EMDR might be the missing piece.
Take the Next Step
At Salty Counseling in Salt Lake City, I specialize in EMDR for high-achieving professionals, women, and LGBTQ+ folks who are tired of surviving and ready to reclaim their lives.
Schedule a Free Consultation to see how EMDR therapy can help you move from survival mode into real healing.
