If you feel like your past is constantly haunting you, you’re highly reactive to your environment or that you have to avoid certain thoughts or emotions, because they feel visceral, then EMDR might be a therapy modality worth exploring.
WHat is emdr?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy designed to help you heal from traumatic events, distressing memories, PTSD, anxiety (including OCD, panic attacks, and phobias), and other psychological symptoms stemming from difficult life experiences. The foundational theory behind EMDR is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. The AIP model suggests that the brain has a natural ability to process and integrate experiences in a way that supports emotional and psychological well-being.
However, when trauma occurs, especially if it’s overwhelming or if there wasn’t enough support at the time, the brain can fail to fully process the event. Rather than being integrated into our broader life narrative, the memory becomes "stuck" or fragmented. Unprocessed trauma can manifest as anxiety, dissociation, depression, flashbacks, difficulties with trust and intimacy, chronic health issues, substance use, addiction, avoidance, and emotional numbing. You may also start avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma.
How does it work?
In an EMDR session, we use bilateral stimulation—like guided eye movements, tapping or sounds —to help the brain reprocess those memories. The idea behind BLS is that it mimics the natural processing of memories during REM sleep, which is thought to be essential for memory consolidation and emotional regulation.
Numerous studies show that after EMDR, clients can recall traumatic memories with less emotional intensity and show reduced physical stress, like lower heart rate and muscle tension. This suggests that EMDR helps transform how memories are stored, moving them from a disorganized state to one that’s more integrated and less reactive.
In essence, EMDR helps the brain "reprocess" the trauma, allowing memories to be integrated into the broader context of a person’s life, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing for healing. When a memory is successfully processed, it no longer holds the same emotional charge. It’s just part of your story—not something that takes over.
next steps
If you feel like you’re constantly reliving your past or that your emotions are running the show, EMDR might be a powerful ally on your healing journey. But remember—this is deep work, and it’s important to work with a trained, licensed therapist who can support you through it safely and effectively.
If you’re curious about whether EMDR could be the right path for you, or you just want to explore your options, I’m here for you. Healing is a process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out and let’s see how EMDR can help you move forward.
Interested in exploring EMDR Therapy and taking the next step? Get in touch with the Beacon Psychotherapy team today to learn more or Request Your Therapy Appointment online today.
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