What Is EMDR Therapy? A Beginner’s Guide

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has become one of the most talked-about approaches in mental health. While it may sound complex at first, EMDR is a very practical, evidence-based method that helps people heal from traumatic experiences, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro as a way to treat trauma. Today, it’s widely recognized by organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But it isn’t just for PTSD. EMDR can also help with anxiety, panic, depression, grief, and many other concerns.

When someone experiences overwhelming stress or trauma, the brain may not process that memory in the usual way. Instead of being filed neatly away, the memory can get “stuck,” continuing to trigger emotional or physical reactions long after the event has passed. EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess those stuck memories, allowing them to be integrated and stored more healthily.

How EMDR Works

The process of EMDR involves bilateral stimulation; movements or sounds that alternate between the left and right sides of the body. This may include guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones. While the client focuses on a distressing memory, the bilateral stimulation helps the brain begin reprocessing the memory so that it no longer feels as overwhelming.

Instead of erasing what happened, EMDR changes how the memory is stored. Over time, the memory loses its emotional intensity, and clients often report feeling calmer, balanced, and free from the intrusive thoughts or flashbacks that once disrupted daily life.

What Sessions Are Like

An EMDR session begins with preparation. Your therapist will talk with you about your history, goals, and coping skills. Together, you’ll identify the memories or issues to work on. The actual reprocessing stage begins when you’re ready, and your therapist will guide you gently through the process, checking in often to ensure you feel safe.

Sessions always end with grounding and closure, so you leave feeling stable and supported. While EMDR can bring up emotions, most clients are surprised at how manageable the process feels when guided by a trained therapist. We have multiple therapists at Elevation Behavioral Therapy who are trained in EMDR, and who are highly experienced in supporting clients using this type of therapy.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

• People recovering from traumatic events (accidents, abuse, loss, or combat).why

• Those living with anxiety, panic attacks, or chronic stress.

• Individuals struggling with grief or complicated loss.

• Adults with unresolved childhood trauma or negative self-beliefs.

• People experiencing phobias, performance anxiety, or distressing memories.

Why People Choose EMDR

Many clients are drawn to EMDR because it often works more quickly than traditional talk therapy. Instead of talking endlessly about the past, EMDR helps the brain resolve the unfinished processing at the root of distress. Clients often notice meaningful changes after just a few sessions.

Moving Forward

If you’ve been struggling with painful memories or anxiety, EMDR therapy can be a powerful path toward healing. Working with a licensed therapist trained in EMDR can allow you to finally process what’s been holding you back and move forward with clarity and peace.

We invite you to contact us to book a free 20-minute initial phone consultation or first appointment with one of our licensed therapists. You can email us at support@elevationbehavioraltherapy.com or call/text us at (720) 295-6566 with any questions.

We would love to support you in your healing journey.

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