Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. Try saying that five times fast!
If you have ever thought that EMDR sounds too complicated, or it might not benefit you, you’re not alone. Feeling uncertain about what EMDR entails and how it works in a session may keep you and others from using a mental health approach that is proven to reduce symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, and depression in a reduced amount of time versus other therapeutic approaches. This form of therapy is conveniently available both in person and virtually to suit different needs and travel abilities. You may find that EMDR is more approachable than at first glance, and understanding is the first step.
EMDR has eight phases that primarily focus on traumatic memories and negative cognitions associated with those memories. EMDR works by using eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation such as audio or alternating taps) while focusing on the memories. This is believed to activate both hemispheres of the brain to allow processing, similar to REM while sleeping. Traumatic memories and stressful situations become “unstuck” and move into a state of resolution where positive thoughts replace negative ones.
EMDR is not traditional talk therapy or hypnosis. During processing, clients are silent as they engage in bilateral stimulation (BLS). Once a BLS set is completed, clients need only share highlights of what they noticed during processing rather than detailed, in-depth observations.
Before processing occurs, early sessions focus on building rapport and gaining trust. Learning effective coping skills can help during intense emotional processing (and in between sessions). You and your clinician also work together to identify what the focus of processing should be, as well as memories to target and process.
During a processing session, you will be invited to hold the target memory in your mind as if you are viewing it from a train window or on TV while following bilateral stimulation. You will then be asked to notice what emotions and sensations come up for you. Sometimes it takes longer than one session to process a memory, and that is normal. It’s also normal to feel drained emotionally and/or physically after a session, but you may also feel relief and catharsis. This may be the first time you have allowed yourself to process traumatic events, and emotions may run high. Your therapist is there to support you through any strong feelings that arise and help you return to a calmer state.
Between sessions you may notice new insights, dreams, or further disturbances, which are also normal and a part of processing. You’ll be invited to share these experiences with your therapist at the next session.
EMDR can be done both in person and virtually; you may prefer one over the other. In-person sessions can be better suited for those suffering from complex or severe trauma. Having the therapist physically in the room can serve to reinforce grounding and co-regulation more efficiently. The therapist’s office can also be seen as a neutral safe space that doesn’t interfere with home or work life.
Virtual sessions remove barriers related to geography, transportation, disability, or scheduling. We all have busy lives and it can be hard to travel from one place to another, especially with work, family, and other priorities. If you live in a rural area, public transportation to an EMDR therapist may not exist or traveling may not be an option. Bilateral stimulation is easily adaptable for virtual sessions using downloadable eye trackers and auditory programs if needed, but finger movements work just as well in most cases.
While processing trauma is a scary thought, EMDR has the potential to release you from the power trauma holds over you. Finding a properly trained EMDR therapist matters more than the format. At Lifeologie, we have several trained therapists who provide both in-person and virtual EMDR therapy. If you are considering EMDR therapy, take a look at our amazing therapists at Lifeologie Counseling Raleigh and Lifeologie Counseling Durham, where our trained therapists integrate EMDR into personalized, client-centered care, blending it with other therapeutic approaches to meet each individual’s needs. Here’s a closer look at how several of our clinicians use EMDR in their work.
Sam uses EMDR as a core tool for helping clients process trauma while also building deeper awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Her approach blends EMDR with cognitive and meaning-centered therapies, allowing clients not only to reduce distress but also to better understand themselves. She works with teens, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, identity, and trauma in an affirming and supportive space.
Dunya takes a collaborative and trauma-informed approach, using EMDR alongside methods like CBT and DBT. Through EMDR, she helps clients process difficult experiences and reconnect with their inner sense of identity and safety. Her work often focuses on adolescents and young adults, particularly those exploring cultural identity and healing from trauma.
Meagan incorporates EMDR into a broader, systems-oriented approach that considers family dynamics and relationships. She tailors EMDR to each client’s developmental stage, often working with children and adolescents experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges. By integrating EMDR into family-focused care, she helps young clients process trauma while strengthening support systems around them.
Dr. Liz brings extensive clinical experience and integrates EMDR with evidence-based therapies like DBT. She uses EMDR to address trauma, anxiety, and complex emotional challenges, helping clients reprocess distressing experiences and build healthier coping strategies. Her work emphasizes both psychological healing and awareness of social and cultural influences.
Mad combines EMDR with expressive, narrative, and attachment-based therapies. This integrative approach allows clients to process trauma while also exploring identity, grief, and self-expression. Mad frequently works with youth, families, and LGBTQ+ clients, using EMDR as part of a broader, creative healing process that supports communication and emotional growth.
Kate integrates EMDR into a compassionate, client-centered framework that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. As a former school counselor, she brings a warm, collaborative style to her work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Through EMDR, Kate helps clients process distressing experiences at both a cognitive and somatic level, supporting nervous system regulation and emotional healing. Her approach blends EMDR with CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques to help clients build resilience, regain a sense of control, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Azleena approaches therapy through a trauma-focused and relational lens. EMDR plays a role in helping clients work through difficult past experiences, toxic relationship patterns, and family stress. Her work centers on empowering clients to better understand their experiences and build resilience moving forward. Azleena uses the S.A.F.E model, which emphasizes stabilization before reprocessing, ensuring clients have the internal resources needed to tolerate distress. Rather than immediately revisiting traumatic memories, therapists focus on building emotional regulation, grounding skills, and a sense of safety. This often includes developing coping strategies, strengthening internal resources, and pacing the work more gradually. Azleena’s approach is designed for clients who may not yet feel ready for traditional trauma processing, especially those with complex trauma, dissociation, or high emotional reactivity.
While each of our therapists brings a unique style, their use of EMDR shares a common goal: helping clients safely process distressing memories and move toward healing. Rather than using EMDR in isolation, Lifeologie clinicians integrate it with other therapeutic approaches to:
This integrative, personalized approach ensures that EMDR is not just a technique, but part of a broader journey toward mental wellness.
If you’re in North Carolina and want to connect with one of our EMDR trained therapists, call or text (919) 900-7552. Or, search for a therapist near you who specializes in EMDR and trauma informed therapy. Wherever you are, Lifeologie is ready to support your healing journey.