What is EMDR?

Ever feel like your mind is stuck on a loop, replaying the same scenes over and over? You’re not alone! Luckily, there’s a therapy that can help break that loop: EMDR.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (try saying that five times fast!), is one of the most research-backed trauma therapies out there. While other therapies have their merits, today we’re shining the spotlight on EMDR.

So, what’s the deal with EMDR? It’s based on the idea that our symptoms—like hypervigilance, anxiety,  avoidance, and even shame—are actually adaptive responses. Processing these feelings and thoughts related to traumatic memories can slow down the amygdala, the part of your brain that signals “I AM IN DANGER.”

In simpler terms, these responses once served a purpose. Imagine freezing up when you see an oncoming car—your body is preparing for impact. Or think about how caring for a depressed parent might have made you super self-reliant, but now as an adult, you have trouble relying on others. These responses were useful once upon a time.

Still with me? Great! The problem is, our bodies sometimes get stuck in these old survival modes because a part of our brain hasn’t received the memo that we’re safe now, we don’t actually need to respond this way anymore. EMDR helps by reprocessing these stuck feelings and integrating them into who you are today. It’s like giving your brain the update it desperately needs!

With EMDR, you can experience a profound shift and understanding, allowing you to move forward with your life. Think of it as turning off that old, annoying trauma playlist and starting to jam to a new, happier tune.