How EMDR Works and Who It Can Help

At Raincross Family Counseling, we have had countless clients come in saying, “I have tried everything… will EMDR really help?  The truth is, for so many people who feel stuck in the past, whether it be from big traumas or smaller, but painful experiences, EMDR can be the first step toward lasting freedom.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in trauma treatment over the past several decades. Yet despite its proven effectiveness and widespread recognition, many people remain uncertain about how this unique therapy works and whether it might be helpful for their own healing journey. Understanding EMDR can be the first step toward reclaiming your life from the grip of traumatic memories and distressing experiences.

Understanding the Foundation of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is built on the understanding that our brains have a natural capacity to heal from psychological trauma, much like our bodies heal from physical wounds. When we experience a traumatic or deeply distressing event, our brain's information processing system can become overwhelmed, preventing the memory from being properly stored and integrated. Instead of becoming a resolved part of our past, these unprocessed memories remain "frozen" in time, complete with the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs we experienced during the traumatic event.

This explains why someone who experienced a car accident months or even years ago might still feel their heart racing and palms sweating when they hear screeching brakes, or why a person who survived childhood abuse might continue to feel small and powerless in their adult relationships. The memory hasn't been properly processed and filed away as something that happened in the past; instead, it continues to feel immediate and threatening, as if the danger were still present.

Dr. Francine Shapiro discovered EMDR somewhat accidentally in 1987 when she noticed that certain eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of her own disturbing thoughts. This observation led to years of research and development, ultimately resulting in a structured therapeutic approach that has helped millions of people worldwide process traumatic experiences and reclaim their emotional freedom. What makes EMDR particularly remarkable is that it doesn't require you to spend years discussing the details of your trauma or reliving painful experiences repeatedly. Instead, it helps your brain's natural healing mechanisms process these stuck memories so they can finally be properly stored as part of your past rather than continuing to intrude on your present.

The Science Behind EMDR: How It Facilitates Healing

The precise mechanisms by which EMDR works continue to be studied, but research suggests that the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy mimics the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep. During this stage of sleep, our brains consolidate memories and experiences from the day, filing them away appropriately and making sense of what we've encountered. When trauma overwhelms this natural system, memories can become stuck in a state of unprocessed activation.

The bilateral stimulation in EMDR—typically achieved through guided eye movements, alternating sounds, or tactile sensations—appears to stimulate communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This enhanced communication allows the brain to access its natural healing mechanisms and process traumatic memories in a way that integrates them properly with the rest of our life experiences. Rather than remaining isolated and emotionally charged, these memories become part of our larger narrative in a way that no longer triggers intense distress.

What's particularly fascinating about EMDR is that it often works without requiring extensive verbal processing or cognitive understanding. While traditional talk therapy relies heavily on insight and verbal exploration of experiences, EMDR taps into the brain's more fundamental processing systems. This is why many people find EMDR helpful even when they've struggled to find relief through other therapeutic approaches, or when they have difficulty putting their experiences into words.

The research supporting EMDR's effectiveness is extensive and compelling. Numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy for treating post-traumatic stress disorder, with many showing that EMDR can be as effective as or more effective than other established trauma treatments. The American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs all recognize EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for trauma. This solid scientific foundation gives both therapists and clients confidence in EMDR's potential to facilitate genuine healing.

The EMDR Process: What to Expect in Your Healing Journey

EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach that ensures safety, preparation, and thorough processing of traumatic material. Understanding what to expect can help reduce any anxiety you might feel about beginning this transformative process.

1. Comprehensive History-Taking

The first phase involves a comprehensive history-taking and treatment planning session. Your EMDR therapist will want to understand your current symptoms, the experiences that may have contributed to your distress, and your overall life context. This isn't about diving deeply into traumatic details right away; instead, it's about creating a roadmap for your healing journey and ensuring that EMDR is the right approach for your specific needs. During this phase, your therapist will also assess your current stability and coping resources to ensure you're ready for trauma processing work.

2. Prep and Relationships

The second phase focuses on preparation and relationship building. Before beginning to process traumatic memories, your therapist will teach you various coping techniques and help you develop a "safe place" visualization that you can use if you become overwhelmed during or between sessions. This preparation phase is crucial because it ensures you have the emotional resources needed to engage safely with difficult material. Your therapist will also explain the EMDR process in detail and address any concerns or questions you might have about the treatment.

3-6. Processing Work

Phases three through six constitute the actual processing work, where you'll focus on specific traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. Your therapist will guide you to identify a target memory and the negative beliefs associated with it, such as "I am powerless" or "I am not safe." You'll also identify what you would prefer to believe about yourself instead, such as "I have choices now" or "I am safe in the present moment." The processing itself involves focusing on the memory briefly while following your therapist's finger movements with your eyes or engaging in other forms of bilateral stimulation.

What many people find surprising about EMDR processing is that they remain fully conscious and in control throughout the experience. You're not hypnotized or put into an altered state; you simply allow whatever comes up during the processing to emerge naturally. This might include new memories, insights, emotions, or body sensations. Your therapist will check in with you regularly to see what you're noticing and guide the next focus of attention based on your responses.

7. Closure

The seventh phase involves closure, ensuring that you leave each session feeling stable and grounded. If a memory hasn't been completely processed in a single session, your therapist will use specific techniques to help you feel settled before you leave. You'll also receive guidance about what to expect between sessions and how to take care of yourself as your brain continues processing the material you've worked on.

8. Reevaluation

The final phase involves reevaluation at the beginning of subsequent sessions. Your therapist will check to see how you've been feeling since the last session and whether the work you did has held. Sometimes memories that seemed fully processed will need additional attention, while other times you'll discover that processing one memory has had positive effects on related experiences as well.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy

While EMDR was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, research and clinical experience have shown that it can be helpful for a much broader range of concerns. At Raincross Family Counseling, we've seen EMDR provide relief for people struggling with various types of distressing experiences and symptoms.

“Big T” Traumas

EMDR is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced what we might call "Big T" traumas—single-incident events that were clearly overwhelming and traumatic, such as car accidents, natural disasters, violent crimes, or sudden losses. These are the types of experiences that most people would readily recognize as traumatic, and they often respond very well to EMDR treatment. Many people find that they can process these memories relatively quickly and experience significant relief from symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

“Little t” Traumas

However, EMDR can also be incredibly helpful for addressing "little t" traumas—the accumulation of smaller but significant experiences that have shaped our beliefs about ourselves and the world. These might include childhood experiences of criticism or neglect, bullying, medical procedures, or ongoing relationship difficulties. While these experiences might not seem as dramatic as major traumatic events, they can have profound effects on our self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. EMDR can help process these experiences and transform the limiting beliefs that may have developed as a result.

Anxiety

People struggling with anxiety often find EMDR helpful, particularly when their anxiety is rooted in specific fears or past experiences. Phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety can all respond well to EMDR treatment. Similarly, individuals dealing with depression may benefit from EMDR, especially when their depressive symptoms are connected to unresolved losses, trauma, or negative self-beliefs that developed from difficult experiences.

Other Issues

EMDR has also shown promise in treating a variety of other concerns, including chronic pain, addiction, performance anxiety, and grief. The common thread among all these applications is that EMDR helps process experiences that have become "stuck" in our nervous system and continue to cause distress in the present moment. Whether you're dealing with intrusive memories, overwhelming emotions, or limiting beliefs about yourself, EMDR may offer a path toward healing and freedom.

Special Applications: Perinatal Trauma and Beyond

One area where EMDR has shown particular promise is in treating perinatal trauma—the distressing experiences that can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. At Raincross Family Counseling, our founder Reba Machado has specialized training in Perinatal Trauma EMDR, recognizing the unique needs of families navigating these challenging experiences.

Birth trauma can affect anyone, regardless of how their birth experience might appear to outside observers. Some people develop trauma symptoms after emergency cesarean sections, complicated deliveries, or life-threatening situations during childbirth. Others might be traumatized by feeling powerless during their birth experience, having their birth preferences ignored, or experiencing insensitive treatment from medical providers. The loss of a pregnancy or infant can also result in traumatic grief that benefits from specialized treatment.

What makes perinatal trauma particularly challenging is that it often occurs during what's supposed to be a joyful time, leaving parents feeling confused about their reactions and sometimes guilty for not feeling grateful or happy. EMDR can help process these complex experiences, allowing parents to heal from difficult birth experiences while still celebrating the arrival of their children or honoring losses they've experienced.

The beauty of specialized EMDR protocols is that they can be adapted to address the unique aspects of different types of trauma while maintaining the core healing mechanisms that make EMDR so effective. This flexibility allows therapists to tailor the treatment to each person's specific needs and experiences, ensuring that the therapy addresses not just symptoms but the underlying experiences that continue to cause distress.

Combining EMDR with Other Therapeutic Approaches

While EMDR can be incredibly powerful on its own, it often works best when integrated with other therapeutic approaches. At Raincross Family Counseling, we recognize that healing is rarely a one-size-fits-all process, and we're committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your well-being.

Many people benefit from combining EMDR with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address both the traumatic memories and the thinking patterns that may have developed as a result of those experiences. Others might benefit from incorporating mindfulness practices to help them stay grounded in the present moment, or from exploring family-of-origin issues that provide context for their current struggles.

For individuals dealing with complex trauma or multiple traumatic experiences, EMDR might be combined with approaches that focus on building emotional regulation skills and strengthening the therapeutic relationship before diving into trauma processing. The key is creating a treatment plan that honors your unique needs and circumstances while drawing on the most effective interventions available.

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

If you're considering EMDR therapy, you might be wondering whether it's the right choice for you. The best way to find out is to speak with a qualified EMDR therapist who can assess your specific situation and help you understand whether this approach aligns with your goals and needs. At Raincross Family Counseling, we offer consultations where you can learn more about EMDR and ask any questions you might have about the process.

Raincross Family Counseling is home to multiple EMDR-trained therapists.  We tailor EMDR to meet the unique needs of each client we serve in Riverside and Corona.

You don’t have to decide today, but whether you are curious whether EMDR might help you feel less stuck, more grounded, or more at peace, we would love to talk with you.