Understanding EMDR

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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be difficult to explain — and even more amazing to experience. It works by using bilateral stimulation (BLS) to gently engage both sides of the brain, promoting neural integration and helping the brain naturally process painful or confusing memories.

BLS can take several forms, such as alternating sounds between the left and right ears, gentle tapping on each side of the body, or—most commonly—eye movements from side to side, similar to what happens during the REM stage of sleep. Many EMDR therapists and sleep experts believe that REM is the brain’s natural way of processing daily experiences.

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When someone lives in a constant state of stress or “fight or flight” due to past trauma or ongoing chaos and extreme anxiety, the two hemispheres of the brain can become less connected. EMDR helps restore balance and communication between them, allowing logic and emotional regulation to work together again.

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How EMDR Helps

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EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic or distressing experiences that may still feel “stuck.” These experiences can be recent or from long ago. They often leave emotional imprints—fear, sadness, guilt, or shame—and shape how we see ourselves (“I’m not safe,” “I’m not good enough,” etc.).

Through EMDR, these memories are integrated into the brain in a healthier way. As the memory is reprocessed, emotional intensity decreases, and the body’s stress response settles. Many people notice improvements in mood, sleep, and relationships, and often report a reduction—or complete absence—of intrusive thoughts or nightmares, sometimes within the first few sessions.

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What to Expect

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EMDR is typically a short-term therapy, though everyone’s healing journey is unique. Some traumas resolve within just a few weeks, while more complex experiences may take longer. Most people meet weekly for about 60 minutes per session.

During the process, I’ll help you develop strong coping skills and emotional supports so you feel safe and grounded throughout treatment. It’s normal to feel nervous before starting EMDR—especially knowing that we’ll revisit difficult memories—but remember: you don’t need to share every detail aloud. Much of EMDR takes place internally, through thought and awareness, while using BLS.

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Measuring Progress

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We use two simple scales to track your progress:

• SUD (Subjective Units of Disturbance) – Measures how distressing a memory feels on a 0–10 scale (10 being most distressing). Over time, distress typically reduces to between 0 and 3.

• VOC (Validity of Cognition) – Measures how true a positive belief feels on a 1–7 scale (1 being completely false, 7 being completely true). For example, someone who begins with “I’m not good enough” might replace it with “I am good enough,” and by the end of processing, genuinely feel that truth.

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The Results

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Clients often describe feeling “lighter,” “more at peace,” or “like I can breathe again.” Many notice improvements in their sleep, mood, and even physical sensations—such as tension or pain—after completing EMDR.
(While there’s no scientific evidence that EMDR directly relieves physical pain, some clients have shared these experiences.)