EMDR Therapy: How It Helps You Heal from Trauma

Catherine Lee, MA, LPC-Associate Supervised by Sarah Arnold, LPC-S

Backed by research. Rooted in the brain.

Trauma has a way of sticking — in your mind, in your body, and in your nervous system. For many, talk therapy alone doesn’t quite reach the parts of trauma that feel stuck, disconnected, or deeply overwhelming.

That’s where EMDR therapy comes in.

You might have heard about it in passing — maybe your friend swears by it, or your doctor recommended it. But what exactly is EMDR? And more importantly: Does it work?

Let’s explore what the research says.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a therapy developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. EMDR helps people heal from trauma by using bilateral stimulation (often side-to-side eye movements) while recalling emotionally intense memories.

The theory behind EMDR is that trauma gets “stuck” in the brain and nervous system — unable to fully process like typical memories do. EMDR helps your brain reprocess these experiences, integrating them in a way that reduces their emotional charge and helps restore emotional balance.

“The goal of EMDR is to reduce the vividness and emotion associated with trauma memories, helping the brain reprocess them and store them more adaptively.”— Francine Shapiro, PhD.

What Does the Research Say?

The effectiveness of EMDR has been extensively studied, especially in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Here's what the evidence shows:

EMDR is evidence-based.

• The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends EMDR for trauma in both children and adults.

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) includes EMDR as a frontline treatment for combat-related PTSD.

  
  

EMDR often works faster than traditional talk therapy.

• In a 2014 meta-analysis published in Behavior Research and Therapy, EMDR was shown to be as effective or more effective than trauma-focused CBT, and faster in symptom reduction [1].

• A randomized controlled trial by Ironson et al. (2002) found that 90% of single-trauma victims no longer met PTSD criteria after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions [2].

  
  

EMDR creates neurological change.

• Neuroimaging studies (Pagani et al., 2012) have shown changes in brain activity after EMDR treatment, including reduced activity in the amygdala — the brain’s fear center — and increased integration in memory-related regions [3].

  
  

How EMDR Feels in Session

EMDR is structured, but not rigid. Sessions typically include:

1. History-taking & Preparation: We’ll build safety, trust, and resourcing skills.

2. Target Identification: We identify memories or sensations to process.

3. Bilateral Stimulation: This might be eye movements, tapping, or sound tones.

4. Reprocessing: You’ll focus on the memory while your brain does the work.

5. Closure & Integration: We end sessions in a grounded, regulated state.

   
   

Importantly — you stay in control the whole time. You don't have to re-tell every detail of your trauma to heal from it.

Who EMDR Can Help

EMDR can be especially helpful for:

• PTSD and complex trauma

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Medical trauma or birth trauma

• Anxiety and panic

• Grief and loss

• Self-esteem wounds

• Attachment issues

• Dissociation or emotional numbing

  
  

If you're unsure whether EMDR is the right fit, I offer a free consultation to help you decide.

Closing Words

EMDR isn’t magic — but the science behind it is powerful. It offers a path for healing that’s gentle, evidence-based, and deeply effective.

I am currently in the middle of my EMDR trainings and even doing it with my own therapist, I’ve seen how clients begin to feel lighter, more in control, and more connected to themselves — often in ways they never thought possible. I am cleared to practice and begin utilizing EMDR in sessions virtually and in person.

EMDR could be a powerful step forward. And I’d be honored to walk that path with you.

If you’re looking for an EMDR therapist in Austin who offers warmth, structure, and deep trauma-informed care — I’d be honored to support you.

Book a session or free consultation here/Contact me if you have questions.

References

[1] Watts, B. V., Schnurr, P. P., Mayo, L., Young-Xu, Y., Weeks, W. B., & Friedman, M. J. (2013). Meta-analysis of the efficacy of treatments for PTSD. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(6), e541–e550.

[2] Ironson, G., Freund, B., Strauss, J. L., & Williams, J. (2002). Comparison of two treatments for traumatic stress: A community-based study of EMDR and prolonged exposure. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 113-128.

[3] Pagani, M., Di Lorenzo, G., Verardo, A. R., Nicolais, G., Monaco, L., Lauretti, G., ... & Siracusano, A. (2012). Neurobiological correlates of EMDR monitoring – An EEG study. PLoS ONE, 7(9), e45753.