EMDR Therapy: How It Helps Heal Trauma and Emotional Distress

2 Feb

Introduction

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach that helps people process trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. If you feel stuck in painful memories or emotional patterns despite trying other therapies, EMDR may offer a powerful path forward. This article explains how EMDR works, who it can help, and what to expect from treatment.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a structured psychological treatment designed to help the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. Rather than focusing only on talking through experiences, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements—to activate the brain’s natural healing processes.

When a traumatic or highly stressful event isn’t fully processed, it can remain “stuck” in the nervous system. EMDR helps the brain revisit these memories in a safe, controlled way, allowing them to be integrated and resolved.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase approach that prioritises safety, preparation, and gradual processing.

During an EMDR session, your therapist will guide you to:

Recall a specific memory or emotional experience
Notice associated thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations
Engage in bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements or tapping)

This process allows the brain to reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and helping you develop more adaptive beliefs about yourself and the experience.

Many clients report that memories feel more distant, less distressing, or easier to think about after EMDR.

What Can EMDR Therapy Help With?

While EMDR is widely known for treating trauma and PTSD, it can be effective for a range of mental health concerns, including:

Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Anxiety and panic attacks
Phobias
Depression linked to past experiences
Grief and loss
Childhood trauma
Distressing memories from medical procedures or accidents
Low self-esteem linked to past experiences

EMDR therapy doesn’t require you to go into graphic detail or relive experiences extensively, which many people find reassuring.

What Happens in an EMDR Session?

EMDR sessions are paced carefully to ensure you feel supported throughout the process.

A typical session includes:

Checking in on how you’ve been feeling
Identifying target memories or themes
Using bilateral stimulation to process experiences
Grounding and stabilisation before ending the session

Your therapist will ensure you have coping strategies in place and will only move at a pace that feels manageable for you.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR therapy may be a good fit if:

You feel emotionally triggered by past experiences
You notice strong reactions that don’t match the present situation
You’ve tried other therapies but still feel stuck
You want a structured, evidence-based approach to trauma healing

An initial assessment with a trained psychologist can help determine whether EMDR is suitable for your needs.

EMDR at Evolve Wellbeing Psychology

At Evolve Wellbeing Psychology, we are committed to offering evidence-based therapies tailored to your individual experiences and goals. EMDR is delivered within a compassionate, trauma-informed framework that prioritises your sense of safety and empowerment.

Book EMDR Therapy with Sara Palacio

We’re pleased to share that Sara Palacio has completed her EMDR training and is now offering EMDR therapy at Evolve Wellbeing Psychology.

Sara is currently accepting new clients and works with individuals seeking support for trauma, anxiety, and emotionally distressing experiences. If you’ve been considering EMDR or want to explore whether it’s right for you, now is a great time to get started.

To book an appointment or learn more about EMDR therapy with Sara Palacio, contact Evolve Wellbeing Psychology today. Our team is here to support you on your path toward healing and wellbeing.