Jennifer Chokemesil, LMFT, Marriage and Family Therapy INC.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma and other deeply distressing life experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements—to help the brain reprocess painful memories. This allows individuals to move past emotional blocks and feel relief from symptoms tied to past events.
How Does EMDR Work?
When a person experiences trauma, the brain can sometimes store that memory in a “stuck” or unprocessed form. These unresolved memories can trigger anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or negative beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not safe.”
EMDR helps the brain:
- Access the memory
- Reprocess it in a safe, guided way
- Store it in a healthier, more adaptive form
By using guided bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or audio tones), EMDR allows the brain to “digest” these memories, reducing their emotional charge.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is widely used for:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic attack
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Childhood trauma
- Phobias
- Low self-esteem
- Performance anxiety
What to Expect in a Session
EMDR therapy is a structured process that includes:
- Assessment – identifying target memories and current challenges
- Preparation – learning grounding tools and building trust with your therapist
- Desensitization – processing distressing memories with bilateral stimulation
- Reprocessing – replacing negative beliefs with healthier perspectives
The process is client-led and trauma-informed, meaning you’re always in control and supported throughout.
Why Choose EMDR?
EMDR is recommended by organizations such as:
- The American Psychological Association (APA)
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
EMDR Is:
✅ Backed by neuroscience and clinical research
✅ Recommended by global health authorities
✅ Effective across diverse populations and ages
✅ Non-invasive and medication-free
✅ Focused on long-term healing—not just symptom management
Research shows that EMDR can bring faster and longer-lasting relief than traditional therapy for many people struggling with trauma.
