Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become one of the most trusted and effective trauma-focused therapies available today. Over the past three decades, it has helped millions of people reduce distress, heal from painful memories, and live lives with greater clarity and resilience. As an evidence-based modality supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA), EMDR is no longer considered “alternative”—it is a leading clinical standard for trauma treatment.
At Authentic Connection Counselling, EMDR is one of the core therapeutic approaches offered by Rena, an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist with extensive experience supporting clients through trauma, anxiety, grief, and emotional dysregulation. This post will help you understand what EMDR is, how it works, what concerns it can help with, and what you can expect from treatment.
What is EMDR Therapy
EMDR is a structured psychotherapy that helps people process distressing memories and experiences that remain “stuck” in the nervous system. Instead of relying solely on talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping—to activate the brain’s natural ability to heal and reprocess traumatic or overwhelming information.
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that our brains and bodies naturally move toward healing when given the right conditions. Trauma interrupts that process. EMDR helps restore it.
Mental Health Concerns That Benefit From EMDR
Although EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, it is remarkably effective across a wide range of issues. People often seek EMDR for:
- Complex or single-incident trauma
(car accidents, medical trauma, sudden loss, assault, childhood trauma) - Post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress responses
- Anxiety, panic, and chronic worry
- Depression linked to unresolved life events
- Grief, loss, and complicated bereavement
- Performance anxiety
(athletics, academics, public speaking) - Chronic shame or negative self-beliefs
- Emotional dysregulation and relationship patterns tied to past experiences
Because EMDR helps the brain reprocess stored memories at their source, many clients find changes occur more quickly and deeply than with traditional cognitive or insight-based therapies alone.
EMDR as an Evidence-Based Therapy
EMDR is one of the most researched trauma therapies in the world. More than 30 randomized controlled studies support its effectiveness. It is endorsed by organizations including:
- The World Health Organization
- The American Psychological Association
- The American Psychiatric Association
- The Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guidelines
- EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
Research consistently shows that EMDR can significantly reduce trauma symptoms in as few as 6–12 sessions for certain types of trauma. Clients often experience improvements such as fewer intrusive thoughts, reduced emotional reactivity, and a greater sense of calm and stability.
How EMDR Works: The Neuroscience Behind It
Trauma affects both the brain and nervous system. When an experience overwhelms your ability to cope, it may not be stored in the brain like an ordinary memory. Instead, the memory becomes “frozen” in the amygdala and limbic system—regions responsible for fear, emotion, and survival responses.
This leads to symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional flooding, and persistent self-blame.
EMDR helps by:
- Activating the memory network in a controlled, safe environment
- Using bilateral stimulation (BLS)—eye movements, tapping, or audio tones
- Stimulating communication between the brain’s hemispheres
- Engaging the prefrontal cortex, helping reprocess the memory
- Reducing the emotional charge associated with the memory
- Storing the memory in a more adaptive, integrated way
Bilateral stimulation is thought to mimic the processes that occur during REM sleep, when the brain naturally processes emotional information. EMDR essentially harnesses those same mechanisms—but with therapist guidance and careful structure.
The result is that the memory becomes something that happened rather than something that still feels like it’s happening.
Risks or Challenges of EMDR
EMDR is generally very safe and well-tolerated, but it is important to be informed about potential challenges:
- Temporary emotional discomfort:
You may feel strong emotions or body sensations during or after sessions. - Fatigue after processing:
The brain is doing significant integrative work. - Delayed emotional reactions:
Sometimes insights or feelings emerge between sessions. - Memories may surface:
Old or forgotten memories can come up as part of the healing process.
A trained EMDR therapist will help you develop grounding, stabilization, and coping skills before processing trauma so you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol. Not every phase involves trauma processing right away. In fact, a significant portion of therapy is spent preparing your nervous system for safe reprocessing.
1. History & Treatment Planning
You and your therapist discuss important events in your life, both positive and potentially traumatic and together you identify target memories, symptoms, and goals for treatment. This is a collaborative process that you engage in with your therapist.
2. Preparation
You build grounding strategies, nervous system regulation skills, and a sense of internal safety. This phase of treatment is critical to the success of treatment and it may take one session or ten depending on the individual.
3. Assessment
An image of the target memory is identified and explored along with the emotions, body sensations, and beliefs connected to it. This can be somewhat distressing, because you are shining a light on a disturbing life event.
4. Desensitization
You process the memory using bilateral stimulation. This gives your mind an opportunity to process an event from the past from the safety of the present, and store the memory where it belongs.
5. Installation
Your therapist helps reinforce healthier beliefs (e.g., “I am safe,” “I am strong”).
6. Body Scan
You check for any lingering tension or distress. Our body stores memories. This is a chance for you to focus on your body and allow it to discharge stored tension.
7. Closure
You are guided back to a calm, grounded state before leaving the session and given instruction for the time between sessions. Generally it is a good idea to pay attention to your thoughts, your feelings and your body sensations between sessions and report anything of note that comes up to your theraoist for uture processing.
8. Reevaluation
In the following session, you review progress and decide on next steps. Processing doesn’t just stop when your session ends. Once your mind starts processing a constellation of memories, its tendency is to continue until processing feels complete.
Many clients notice a reduction in emotional intensity early in treatment, but meaningful, lasting change builds across sessions.
What Results Can You Expect from EMDR?
Every individual’s healing journey is unique, but many people experience:
- Reduced triggers and emotional reactivity
- Increased ability to stay grounded and present
- Less anxiety or fear related to past experiences
- Shifts in core beliefs about oneself (“I am enough,” “I am safe,” “I can handle this”)
- More capacity for connection, trust, and emotional regulation
Progress may feel gradual or may involve noticeable breakthroughs—both are normal.
How to Choose an EMDR Therapist
Quality and training matter in EMDR therapy. When selecting a therapist, consider the following:
- Are they EMDR-certified or EMDRIA-approved?
This ensures they completed accredited training and ongoing supervision. - Do they have experience with the type of trauma or concern you’re facing?
- Do they offer a grounding and preparation phase—not just rapid processing?
- Do you feel safe, respected, and understood in their presence?
The therapeutic relationship is essential to healing. - Do they provide clear structure and explain each step of the process?
Choosing the right therapist can significantly impact the effectiveness of EMDR.
Why Choose Authentic Connection Counselling for EMDR
At Authentic Connection Counselling, EMDR is delivered with care, professionalism, and deep respect for your healing journey.
Rena, an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist, has extensive experience supporting clients who have experienced complex trauma, single-incident trauma, PTSD, emotional overwhelm, and long-standing patterns rooted in earlier life experiences. Her approach integrates trauma-informed neurobiology, client-centered care, and a strong emphasis on safety and connection.
At Authentic Connection Counselling EMDR is offered online, and research continues to show that online EMDR is highly effective. For many clients, online sessions provide additional comfort, flexibility, and a sense of safety within their own space.
Clients choose Authentic Connection Counselling because they feel:
- Seen, supported, and validated
- Guided with compassion and non-judgment
- Connected to a therapist who truly understands trauma
- Empowered with tools that create real, lasting change
If you are ready to begin healing from trauma and reclaim your sense of peace and strength, EMDR may be the next step.