What is EMDR Therapy and How Can It Help You Heal from Trauma?
If you’ve experienced something painful, whether recent or long ago, and find that it still affects you emotionally, physically, or relationally, you’re not alone. Many people carry trauma in ways they don’t fully understand. EMDR therapy is a powerful, research-backed approach that helps people move through trauma instead of staying stuck in it.
So what is EMDR and how does it actually work?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured therapy approach that helps your brain process distressing memories and negative beliefs that often get “stuck” after trauma. Whether the trauma was something “big” like an accident, abuse, or loss, or something more subtle like years of emotional neglect, EMDR helps shift how those memories are stored and how they affect you now.
You don't have to relive the trauma in detail. You simply bring up the memory in a safe guided way while engaging in bilateral stimulation, like following a moving light, or sound. This helps your brain ”process” what happened and lets your nervous system begin to settle.
What EMDR Can Help With:
PTSD and complex trauma
Anxiety and panic
Depression linked to past experiences
Childhood abuse and neglect
Grief and loss
Low self-worth
Medical trauma or difficult life transitions
If you’ve ever said to yourself, “ I know this shouldn’t bother me anymore, but it still does, “ EMDR could be a great fit for you.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
At Pathway Counseling and Wellness, EMDR is always approached with care and compassion. Here’s what the process usually includes:
Getting to Know You: First, we talk about what’s bringing you in and explore your history at a pace you’re comfortable with.
Preparation & Safety: You’ll learn tools to help you feel grounded, calm, and safe before we begin reprocessing.
Targeting Memories: We identify the memories, beliefs, or experiences that feel unresolved.
Reprocessing: This is the EMDR phase where bilateral stimulation is used to help the brain release stuck patterns.
Closure and Integration: We wrap up each session in a safe, contained way, and we revisit your progress over time.
You’re always in control. EMDR doesn’t rush or push, it meets you exactly where you are.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
If talk therapy hasn’t helped you get to the root of what’s going on, or if you’re ready to go deeper, EMDR might be a good next step. It’s not about forgetting what happend. It’s about removing the emotional charge so you can move forward with more freedom and clarity.
Ready to Begin?
I offer EMDR therapy in-person for adults and teens near Bastrop, TX. If you’re curious or want to know more, I’d be honored to walk you through the process and see if it’s a good fit
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation or ask questions. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
