What is EMDR and How Does it Work?

If you have been looking into therapy options, you might have come across EMDR therapy—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That’s a mouthful. But don’t let the name intimidate you. At its core, EMDR is a way to help your brain do what it was always meant to due—process difficult experiences so they don’t keep weighing you down.

Perhaps you have heard about EMDR from a friend or seen it mentioned online. You may wonder if this works or if it is just another trend? I will break it down in a way that makes sense—without the heavy clinical jargon and overcomplicating things.

Why Some Memories Won’t Let Go

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head that won’t go away? Many now consider whether it was a distressing memory or an overwhelming feeling rather than a song. When something painful happens, your brain is supposed to process it, file it away, and move on. But sometimes, the system glitches. Instead of tucking that experience into the past where it belongs, your brain keeps replaying it, or it shows up in unexpected ways—anxiety, nightmares, overreactions, or just a constant feeling of unease.

This isn’t because you’re weak or broken. It’s because your brain, in an attempt to protect you, never fully processed what happened. EMDR helps fix that.

Where Did EMDR Therapy Come From?

EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. She noticed that certain eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts. That observation became a structured therapy now backed by research and used worldwide. Initially developed for trauma and PTSD, EMDR now helps with anxiety, grief, phobias, and negative self-beliefs.

It might sound new, but EMDR is recommended by organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association.

What Actually Happens in EMDR?

Here’s where things get interesting. EMDR isn’t talk therapy in the traditional sense. You won’t be sitting across from an EMDR therapist analyzing every detail of your past. Instead, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—stimulating both sides of your brain—to help reprocess stuck memories. This could be done through eye movements (following an EMDR therapist’s hand or a light), tapping, or sounds.

Think of it as helping your brain reboot an old program that froze mid-download. With the proper guidance, your brain can finally complete the process it started but never finished. And the best part? You don’t have to relive every painful detail. Your brain works in the background, shifting how the memory affects you over time.

What Does an EMDR Therapy Session Feel Like?

Each session follows a structured process, but it doesn’t feel robotic. Here’s a quick idea of what to expect:

1. Getting Started – First, your therapist will help you identify memories or issues that still feel “stuck” and how they impact you today.
2. Preparing for Reprocessing – You’ll learn how to stay grounded so you won’t feel overwhelmed if emotions arise.
3. Reprocessing the Memory – We use bilateral stimulation to reprocess the memory. You’ll focus on a memory while following eye movements, tapping, or sounds. Thoughts, emotions, or even physical sensations might come up. Still, instead of getting stuck in them, your brain starts sorting them out naturally.
4. Letting New Beliefs Form – As the distress lessens, your brain starts making new connections that feel healthier, stronger, and more aligned with how you want to feel about yourself.
5. Checking In – Each session wraps up with a grounding exercise, and in future sessions, check how you’re feeling about the memory now. What once felt overwhelming often starts feeling more like something that happened long ago, without the emotional punch.

What Do People Notice During or After EMDR?

Experiences during EMDR vary from person to person. Some people feel a lot during reprocessing—emotions, physical sensations, or even new insights. Others might feel very little at the moment but notice changes afterward. It’s not about having a big emotional release every time; sometimes the change is more subtle.

Clients often say, “It just doesn’t bother me anymore,” or “I can remember it, but it doesn’t feel like it’s still happening.” That emotional distance is a sign that the memory has been successfully reprocessed.

You may also notice shifts in how you see yourself or the world. Thoughts like “It was my fault” may change to “I did the best I could,” or “I’m not safe” might shift to “I can protect myself now.”

But Does It Actually Work?

Fair question. The short answer? Yes, for a lot of people. EMDR is widely used for PTSD and trauma, and it is also effective for anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and even self-esteem issues. Much research is backing this up, and many clients report feeling significant relief in a way that other therapies haven’t provided.

That said, it’s not a magic eraser. It doesn’t delete memories or “hypnotize” you into forgetting. Instead, it helps you process things so that they no longer control your emotions, thoughts, or body the way they once did. You remember what happened, but it doesn’t feel like it’s still happening.

Who is EMDR For?

If distressing memories, fears, or emotional reactions feel like they’re holding you back, EMDR might be worth considering. It’s beneficial if you:

• Feel like past experiences affect your present life in ways you can’t shake.
• Have tried traditional therapy but still feel stuck.
• Are experiencing anxiety, panic, or stress responses that seem higher than the situation at hand.
• Want a therapy that doesn’t require deeply discussing every painful detail.

Common Questions About EMDR

Do I have to talk about everything? Nope. EMDR allows you to process painful material without saying it all out loud. Your therapist will guide the process, but the work happens internally.

Will I feel worse before I feel better? Sometimes. Processing can bring up emotions, but your therapist will help you stay grounded. Even intense sessions often lead to a feeling of relief.

How many sessions will I need? It depends. Some people feel a shift in a few sessions; others need more time. EMDR moves at your pace.

Final Thoughts

EMDR isn’t magic, but it often feels like a relief—like finally breathing again after holding your breath for too long. If something in your past still feels like it has a grip on your present, EMDR might be the tool that helps you loosen that grip and move forward.

If you’re curious whether EMDR is right for you, the best next step is to contact a trained EMDR therapist. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to carry the weight of the past forever.

Curious About EMDR Therapy in Las Vegas, NV? Here’s How to Take the First Step

If you’re carrying the weight of past experiences that just won’t let go, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep reliving them. EMDR therapy in Las Vegas, NV, can help your brain do what it was built to do: heal. You don’t need to retell every painful detail or push through on your own. EMDR offers a way forward that’s grounded, supportive, and backed by research.

Here’s how to begin:

• Fill out the contact form to schedule an appointment and see if DBT is the right fit for you.
• Meet with a trained EMDR therapist who will guide you through the process at your pace—no pressure, no rushing.
• Start shifting what feels stuck, so you can move forward with more ease, clarity, and self-trust.

Additional Services at DBT Center of South Bay

At the DBT Center of South Bay, we are committed to helping individuals discover the motivation to lead fuller, more connected lives. In addition to our EMDR therapy for trauma, anxiety, and depression, we offer a range of treatment options. Our services include DBT Therapy for adults, aimed at managing anger, reducing social isolation, and overcoming loneliness. We also specialize in supporting individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors, providing targeted therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to help manage its challenging symptoms. With locations in Las Vegas, NV, and Torrance, CA, our services are accessible throughout California and Nevada via online therapy. This flexibility ensures that you can receive the support you need, no matter where you are. Reach out to us today and begin your journey toward emotional well-being and a more connected life.