Healing Through the Eyes: Understanding EMDR Therapy

Trauma can leave a lasting imprint—not only in our memories but in our bodies, behaviours, and relationships. While talking therapies can offer relief and insight, some people find that traditional approaches don’t fully resolve the emotional weight of past experiences.

This is where Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) comes in—a unique, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life events.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. Developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR is grounded in the idea that psychological distress is often rooted in unprocessed traumatic memories. These memories can remain “frozen” in the brain, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, low self-worth, and heightened emotional reactivity.

Rather than relying on talk therapy alone, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to help the brain reprocess these memories and integrate them in a more adaptive way.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR is an eight-phase therapy that includes:

1. History-taking and Treatment Planning

2. Preparation and Education

3. Assessment of Target Memory

4. Desensitisation (with bilateral stimulation)

5. Installation of Positive Beliefs

6. Body Scan

7. Closure

8. Re-evaluation

During a session, the therapist will guide you to recall a specific disturbing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (often eye movements that mimic REM sleep patterns). This process helps reduce the emotional charge of the memory and encourages new, more adaptive beliefs about yourself and the world.

What Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR was initially developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but over the years, it has been shown to be effective for a wide range of concerns, including:

• Childhood trauma

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Depression

• Phobias

• Grief and loss

• Performance anxiety

• Chronic pain

• Complex PTSD and dissociation

It’s particularly helpful for people who feel “stuck” in patterns of emotional reactivity or self-sabotage that don’t respond well to insight-based therapies.

What Does EMDR Feel Like?

Clients often describe EMDR sessions as intense but empowering. Some experience vivid images, sensations, or emotions during sessions, while others feel more neutral or detached. The goal is not to erase memories but to reduce their emotional impact and make them feel like they are truly in the past—not still happening in the present.

Over time, clients typically report feeling lighter, calmer, and more able to move forward.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR can be a transformative therapy, but like all approaches, it’s not one-size-fits-all. It works best with a trained, accredited practitioner who can assess your needs, explain the process clearly, and offer a safe and supportive environment.

If you’ve experienced trauma or are struggling with unresolved emotional issues, EMDR may be worth exploring. It’s a therapy that doesn’t require you to relive every detail of the trauma—but instead helps your brain do the healing work it’s naturally designed to do.

Interested in EMDR?

If this sounds like something you would like to know more about feel free to reach out to discuss or book an introductory session to see if this approach feels right for you.