What is EMDR?
What is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?
If you’ve ever felt weighed down by painful memories, overwhelming emotions, or experiences that seem to linger long after they’re over, you’re not alone. These feelings often stem from trauma or distressing life events that our brains haven’t fully processed.
One highly effective therapy for addressing these challenges is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Backed by decades of research, EMDR offers a structured, supportive approach to help individuals process unresolved memories and regain control over their emotional well-being.
Let’s dive into what EMDR is, how it works, and why it might be the right choice for you.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a therapy designed to help the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer trigger emotional pain.
When we experience trauma, our brain sometimes stores the memory in a way that feels “frozen.” This can leave us feeling stuck, as though the memory is still happening in the present. EMDR helps “unfreeze” these memories, allowing the brain to integrate them in a way that feels manageable and safe.
How Does EMDR Work?
The key to EMDR’s effectiveness lies in bilateral stimulation, which engages both sides of the brain. This can take the form of:
Eye movements (guided by a therapist),
Tapping (on your hands or arms), or
Rhythmic sounds (alternating tones in your headphones).
During an EMDR session, you’ll focus on a specific memory or experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This process allows your brain to naturally process the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and helping you see it from a more balanced perspective.
At The Lavarack Rooms, Maddison will guide your eye movements or provide other forms of bilateral stimulation in a safe, supportive environment. The process is tailored to your comfort and needs, ensuring you feel grounded and empowered every step of the way.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
EMDR follows an 8-phase approach to ensure your therapy is structured and effective. Key steps include:
Understanding Your Story: Together, we identify distressing memories or triggers and how they affect your current emotions and behaviors.
Building Safety: Before reprocessing begins, we equip you with grounding techniques to ensure you feel safe and supported.
Reprocessing Memories: With Maddison’s guidance, you’ll engage in bilateral stimulation while focusing on a specific memory. This helps your brain shift how it stores and responds to the memory.
The result? Memories that once felt overwhelming lose their emotional charge, allowing you to move forward with clarity and calm.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is highly effective for a wide range of issues, including:
PTSD and trauma recovery
Workplace stress and burnout
Anxiety and panic attacks
Phobias
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem
Stress related to major life transitions
What Makes EMDR Different?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to retell every painful detail of your trauma. Instead, it works with your brain’s natural ability to heal, making the process feel less overwhelming for many people.
In fact, many clients find that EMDR brings relief more quickly than other therapeutic approaches, often in fewer sessions. It’s a practical, empowering way to move from feeling stuck to feeling free.
In-Person and Telehealth Options
At The Lavarack Rooms, we understand that flexibility matters. That’s why we offer EMDR both in person and via Telehealth. Whether you prefer the connection of face-to-face sessions or the comfort of your own home, we can tailor the experience to meet your needs.
Is EMDR Right for You?
Healing is a deeply personal journey, and not every approach works for everyone. The best way to find out if EMDR is the right fit is to have a conversation with a professional.
By booking a discovery call with Maddison Bracey, you can:
Learn more about how EMDR works.
Discuss your unique challenges and goals.
Explore whether this approach aligns with your healing journey.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you’re ready to move forward and rewrite the story of your life, EMDR could be the next step. Let’s talk about how this evidence-based therapy can help you process the past and create a brighter future.
💬 Click here to book your discovery call today.
Healing is possible—and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
