Understanding EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories. Originally developed to treat PTSD, EMDR is now widely used for a range of emotional difficulties, including anxiety, phobias, grief, and self-esteem issues.

How EMDR Works

At the heart of EMDR is the belief that trauma can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to heal. Distressing events may become “stuck” in the nervous system, causing emotional and psychological symptoms that persist long after the experience is over. EMDR helps reprocess these memories so they no longer hold the same emotional charge.

The process involves recalling a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation—such as following the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes. This technique is believed to mimic the brain’s natural REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycle, which plays a role in memory consolidation and emotional regulation.

The Eight Phases of EMDR

1. History and Treatment Planning

The therapist gathers background information, identifies target memories, and assesses your readiness for EMDR. Treatment is tailored to your specific needs and experiences.

2. Preparation

You’ll learn grounding techniques, calming exercises, and coping strategies to ensure emotional safety before diving into trauma processing.

3. Assessment

You’ll select a specific traumatic memory and identify the associated negative belief (e.g., “I’m not safe”) and desired positive belief (e.g., “I am safe now”).

4. Desensitization

While focusing on the memory, you’ll undergo bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements, tapping, or tones). This continues until the distress associated with the memory decreases significantly.

5. Installation

The therapist helps reinforce the new, positive belief as the distressing memory loses its emotional impact.

6. Body Scan

You’ll notice how your body feels when thinking about the memory and positive belief. Any residual tension or discomfort is addressed.

7. Closure

Each session ends with grounding and debriefing to ensure you leave feeling stable and supported.

8. Reevaluation

At the start of the next session, your therapist checks in on the processed memory to ensure the distress has not returned and to assess progress.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR is especially effective for:

• Survivors of abuse, accidents, or natural disasters
• Individuals with PTSD or complex trauma
• People struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias
• Clients dealing with grief, shame, or negative self-beliefs
• First responders, veterans, or healthcare workers exposed to secondary trauma

It’s a non-invasive and often faster alternative to traditional talk therapy for trauma-related symptoms.

EMDR at Tête Therapy

At Tête Therapy, our EMDR-trained clinicians use this modality as part of a holistic treatment approach. We combine EMDR with other therapeutic techniques such as CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based practices to support your healing journey. Each EMDR experience is carefully paced and customized, allowing you to build trust with your therapist and feel emotionally safe throughout the process.

A Path to Healing

EMDR therapy offers a profound opportunity to revisit and reprocess the past—not to relive the trauma, but to release its hold. Many clients find that after EMDR, their memories no longer feel overwhelming, and they’re able to move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.

If you’re ready to explore whether EMDR is right for you, we’re here to help. Contact our team to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how this transformative therapy can support your healing.