What Is EMDR Therapy — And Could It Help You?
If you’ve been carrying something heavy for a long time — a painful memory, a deep hurt, a “why can’t I just move on?” feeling — you might wonder if therapy could ever really help.
Maybe you’ve tried talking it out and felt worse after.
Maybe the thought of reliving it all sounds terrifying.
Maybe you’re just tired of holding it together.
That’s where EMDR comes in.
So... What Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — but don’t worry, you don’t need to remember all of that.
What matters is this:
EMDR helps your brain process traumatic or painful experiences in a way that actually reduces their emotional charge.
It’s like your brain has a “stuck file” full of unprocessed memories and EMDR helps that file finally move through the system, so it doesn’t keep triggering you over and over.
Here’s a Metaphor: The Broken Alarm System
Imagine your brain is like a smoke detector.
When real danger happens — a fire, for example — it goes off.
But sometimes, after trauma, that alarm gets stuck in the “on” position.
Now every burnt piece of toast, every heated conversation, every memory, triggers the alarm — even though the danger is long gone.
EMDR helps recalibrate that alarm system.
It doesn’t erase the past — it just helps your brain finally realize that the fire is out and you're safe now.
But Wait... Do I Have to Relive Everything?
No. This is one of the biggest myths about EMDR.
You do not have to tell your whole story in detail.
You don’t have to relive everything.
You don’t have to talk about anything until you feel ready.
EMDR focuses on how the memory is stored in your nervous system — not how you explain it out loud. It’s often gentler than traditional talk therapy, especially for people who’ve been through trauma.
You are always in control.
We go at your pace.
And I’ll be with you the whole way.
How EMDR Addresses Negative Core Beliefs
One of the most impactful parts of EMDR is how it helps transform negative core beliefs you may have carried for years.
These beliefs usually come from trauma or painful life experiences — especially in childhood — and they often show up as inner narratives like:
Common Negative Core Beliefs:
I’m not enough
I’m not safe
My needs don’t matter
I’m a burden
I should have done something
I’m unlovable
I can’t trust anyone
I’m too much
Through EMDR, we explore where those beliefs took root and help your brain reprocess them into more adaptive, compassionate beliefs.
Examples of More Adaptive Beliefs:
I am enough just as I am
I am safe now
My needs are valid and important
I am allowed to take up space
I did the best I could
I am lovable and worthy of connection
I can choose who to trust
I can be myself and still be accepted
You don’t have to force these new beliefs. EMDR helps them feel true — not just as affirmations, but as felt experiences your nervous system actually believes.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
EMDR follows a structured process, but it’s always tailored to you. A few key elements include:
Preparation: You learn grounding and coping tools before we ever go near painful memories.
Treatment planning and target identification: Together, we explore the experiences, memories, or beliefs that continue to affect you today. These become the “targets” for EMDR — not just big traumatic events, but also moments that shaped how you see yourself, your safety, or your worth.
Targeting a memory: You bring up just enough of a memory to work with — not to get overwhelmed, but to process.
Bilateral stimulation: This might be eye movements, tapping, or buzzers in your hands — it helps both sides of the brain process information in a more adaptive way.
Reprocessing: Over time, the memory becomes less intense, less “charged,” and more resolved.
Clients often say things like "It still happened, but it doesn’t hurt the same way anymore."
Is EMDR Right for Me?
It might be — especially if you:
Feel stuck in the past or triggered often
Can’t explain your reactions, but know they’re linked to something deeper
Feel like you’ve already talked about things but still carry the weight
Struggle with anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, or emotional overwhelm
At Flourish Therapy and Wellness, I specialize in using EMDR with women who are carrying too much — sometimes for years — and are ready to feel more grounded, free, and whole.
You Can Heal the Parts of You That Still Hurt
If you’re curious about EMDR, I’d love to talk with you.
There’s no pressure and no expectation to jump in fast.
Just a safe place to explore if this could be part of your healing.
Let’s connect. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if EMDR or trauma therapy might be a good fit for you.
