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What is EMDR and How Can It Help with Trauma?

What is EMDR and How Can It Help with Trauma?

Have you ever experienced something so upsetting that it feels like your brain can’t let it go? Maybe you find yourself thinking about it a lot, feeling nervous, or avoiding things that remind you of it. If so, you’re not alone, and there’s a powerful therapy that can help. It’s called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR for short.


Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can see how EMDR works and how it helps people heal from trauma.


What is Trauma?

Trauma happens when something deeply upsetting or scary happens, and it leaves a lasting impact. This could be a car accident, losing a loved one, bullying, or any other experience that overwhelms your brain. Trauma can also be childhood neglect or abuse. Sometimes, trauma makes it hard for your brain to file the memory away like it does with normal memories. Instead, it stays “stuck,” causing strong feelings, bad dreams, or stress.


How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR helps your brain “unstick” those tough memories. It’s kind of like a clean-up crew for your mind! Here’s what happens during EMDR:


Talking About What’s Bothering You

You’ll start by talking to your therapist about what’s troubling you. Together, you’ll pick a memory or feeling to focus on.


Adding Eye Movements

This is where it gets interesting! Your therapist will ask you to think about the memory while doing something like following their hand with your eyes. These back-and-forth movements (or other activities like tapping) help your brain process the memory in a new way.


Letting Your Brain Do Its Job

As your brain works, you may notice that the memory feels less upsetting. You might start to see it as something that happened in the past, not something that controls your present.


Moving Forward

Over time, EMDR helps your brain heal, just like your body heals after a cut or scrape. You’ll feel calmer and more in control, and those memories will lose their grip on you.


Why is EMDR So Effective?

EMDR doesn’t require you to talk in detail about your trauma, which can feel overwhelming for many people. Instead, it helps your brain heal naturally, like pressing the “reset” button. Studies show that EMDR works quickly and can help with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and more.


Is EMDR Right for You?

If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, or tough memories, EMDR might be the answer. It’s a safe and supportive way to help your brain heal, and I’m here to guide you through it.


Want to learn more? Contact me today, and let’s see if EMDR is the right fit for your healing journey. You don’t have to face your pain alone—help is just a call away.

By Damaris Karanja, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Dietitian at Healing Streams Counseling.

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