What is EMDR?

• EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured, trauma focused therapy that helps people process distressing or traumatic experiences that may continue to affect their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or relationships. EMDR can be especially helpful when someone feels stuck with a painful memory or experience, even when they logically understand that the event happened in the past.

• When we experience something overwhelming, our brain may not fully process the experience in the same way it processes everyday memories. Instead, pieces of the experience, such as images, emotions, physical sensations, or negative beliefs, can remain strongly connected to the present. This can cause someone to feel anxious, unsafe, ashamed, overwhelmed, or emotionally triggered when something reminds them of what happened.

• EMDR helps individuals safely revisit aspects of distressing experiences while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping. This process is designed to support the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate memories. As the memory is reprocessed, it may become less emotionally intense and begin to feel more like something that happened in the past rather than something that is happening in the present.

• EMDR is not simply about talking about a traumatic experience repeatedly. Instead, the therapist helps the client identify specific memories, emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations connected to the experience and then works with the client to process them in a structured way. Clients remain aware and in control throughout the process, and the therapist provides support as they work through difficult experiences.

• EMDR typically begins with a history and assessment phase. The therapist learns about the client’s current concerns, past experiences, symptoms, and treatment goals. The therapist also helps the client develop coping and grounding skills so they have tools to manage difficult emotions before beginning trauma processing. Once the client feels ready, the therapist and client identify specific experiences to focus on and begin the reprocessing process.

• EMDR can be helpful for trauma and PTSD, anxiety, panic, phobias, grief, difficult childhood experiences, negative self beliefs, relationship concerns, and other distressing experiences. It may also be helpful when someone recognizes that something from their past continues to influence how they feel, think, or respond in the present.

• EMDR is different for everyone, and clients do not have to share every detail of an experience in order to benefit from treatment. The process is collaborative, and the therapist works at a pace that feels safe and manageable for the client.

• The goal of EMDR is not to erase memories or make difficult experiences disappear. Instead, the goal is to help individuals process those experiences so they have less emotional power in the present. EMDR can help people feel more grounded, confident, and able to move forward without feeling controlled by the experiences of their past.

What can I expect?

The Phases of EMDR

EMDR is made up of several phases, and we move through them at a pace that feels comfortable and appropriate for you. You are always in control of the process, and we will work together throughout each phase.

Phase 1: Getting to Know Your Story

We will talk about what brings you to therapy, what you are currently struggling with, and important experiences from your past. We will identify experiences that may still be affecting how you feel, think, or respond today.

Phase 2: Preparation

Before we begin processing difficult memories, I will teach you different tools to help you manage emotions and feel grounded. This may include breathing exercises, grounding techniques, relaxation strategies, or visualization. We will also talk about what to expect during EMDR so you feel prepared.

Phase 3: Identifying What We Will Work On

Together, we will identify specific memories or experiences that you would like to process. We will explore what you remember, how you feel about yourself because of the experience, what emotions come up, and where you notice those feelings in your body.

Phase 4: Processing the Memory

This is the part of EMDR that most people are familiar with. You will briefly focus on the memory while following bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds. I will guide you through the process while allowing your brain to make connections and process the experience.

Phase 5: Strengthening a Positive Belief

Once the memory feels less distressing, we will focus on a more positive belief you would like to have about yourself. For example, instead of feeling “I am not good enough,” you may work toward feeling “I am worthy” or “I am capable.”

Phase 6: Checking in With Your Body

We will check in with your body and notice whether you still feel any tension, discomfort, or other sensations connected to the memory. If something is still there, we can continue processing it.

Phase 7: Ending the Session

We will make sure you feel grounded and present before ending the session. You will use the coping skills you have learned to help you feel settled and ready to continue with your day.

Phase 8: Checking In at the Next Session

At the beginning of our next session, we will talk about what you noticed since our last session. We may discuss changes in your emotions, thoughts, dreams, body sensations, or reactions to situations. We will then decide together what to work on next.

The goal of EMDR is not to erase a memory or change what happened. Instead, we are working to help your brain process the experience so that it no longer feels as overwhelming or powerful in the present.

Can I do EMDR online?

Yes, EMDR can be done through telehealth. The process is very similar to doing EMDR in person, but we will meet through a secure video session instead.

During our sessions, we will first make sure you feel comfortable with the process and have coping and grounding tools that you can use if difficult emotions come up. When you are ready to begin processing, I will guide you through the EMDR process through the screen.

For bilateral stimulation, we may use guided eye movements, tapping, or another method that works well for you. I will guide you throughout the process and check in with you along the way.

One of the benefits of doing EMDR from home is that you are in a familiar and comfortable environment. However, it is important to have a private space where you will not be interrupted during the session.

You do not have to share every detail of a difficult experience for EMDR to be effective. We will move at a pace that feels manageable for you, and you remain in control throughout the process. If something feels too overwhelming, we can pause, slow down, or use grounding skills.

The goal is to help your brain process experiences that may still feel emotionally distressing so that they have less impact on you in the present.

Get Help from a EMDR Counselor in Nashville and California