Trauma can leave invisible scars that impact every aspect of life, from relationships to work performance and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of traumatic experiences, you’re not alone. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6 out of every 100 people will have PTSD at some point in their lives.

But there’s hope: EMDR therapy for trauma has emerged as a groundbreaking approach to healing, offering relief where other treatments have failed.

Joe Tighe, a licensed psychologist and certified EMDR therapist, emphasises the transformative potential of EMDR: “EMDR isn’t just about coping with trauma—it’s about processing and integrating traumatic memories in a way that allows people to truly heal and move forward with their lives.”

Let’s explore how EMDR works, its effectiveness, and whether it might be the right approach for your healing journey.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It’s based on the Adaptive Information Processing model, which posits that many psychological issues are the result of unprocessed traumatic memories.

Tina Nguyen-Tran explains, “EMDR helps the brain process these stuck memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing clients to develop more adaptive beliefs about themselves and the world.”

Key Components of EMDR:

1. Bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements)
2. Recall and processing of traumatic memories
3. Development of positive cognitions
4. Body awareness and emotion regulation
5. Future templating for continued healing

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: Your therapist will gather information about your history and develop a treatment plan.
2. Preparation: You’ll learn coping strategies to manage emotional distress.
3. Assessment: You’ll identify a specific memory to target and express related negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations.
4. Desensitisation: This phase involves bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) while you focus on the memory, allowing your brain to process it.
5. Installation: You’ll strengthen positive beliefs related to the memory.
6. Body Scan: You’ll observe and process any remaining physical tension.
7. Closure: This ensures you feel stable at the end of each session.
8. Re-evaluation: At the beginning of subsequent sessions, you’ll assess your progress.

Tina Nguyen-Tran, who specialises in trauma treatment, notes, “What’s unique about EMDR is its ability to rapidly process traumatic memories without requiring detailed discussions of the event. This can be particularly beneficial for clients who find it difficult to verbalise their experiences.”

The Science Behind EMDR’s Effectiveness

EMDR’s effectiveness for trauma and PTSD is well-documented in scientific literature. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Behaviour Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry in 2018 found that EMDR was more effective than CBT in reducing PTSD symptoms, with a large effect size of 0.43.

Tina Nguyen-Tran adds, “Neuroimaging studies have shown that EMDR can actually change brain activity patterns associated with trauma. We’re seeing increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and decreased activity in the amygdala, indicating a shift from emotional reactivity to more adaptive processing.”

A 2019 study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that 84% of single-trauma victims no longer had PTSD after only three 90-minute sessions of EMDR.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR can be effective for a wide range of trauma-related issues, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Complex trauma
• Anxiety and phobias related to past experiences
• Depression with traumatic origins
• Grief and loss

EMDR might be particularly suitable if:

1. You’ve tried other therapies with limited success
2. You struggle to verbalise your traumatic experiences
3. You experience intense emotional or physical reactions to trauma reminders
4. You’re looking for a treatment that doesn’t require extensive homework

What to Expect in EMDR Sessions

A typical course of EMDR therapy can range from 6 to 12 sessions, though this can vary based on individual needs. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Assessment: Your therapist will evaluate your readiness for EMDR and explain the process.
2. Preparation: You’ll learn grounding and emotional regulation techniques.
3. Processing Sessions: Most of the therapy will involve processing targeted memories using bilateral stimulation.
4. Between-Session Experiences: You may notice changes in dreams, emotions, or insights between sessions.
5. Ongoing Evaluation: Your therapist will regularly assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While EMDR is generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:

1. Heightened emotions or vivid dreams during the processing phase
2. Temporary increase in distress as traumatic memories are accessed
3. Physical sensations related to processing (e.g., tingling, warmth)

Tina Nguyen-Tran (Psychologist) emphasises, “These effects are usually temporary and part of the healing process. A skilled EMDR therapist will help you manage any discomfort and ensure you feel stable after each session.”

Conclusion: Your Path to Healing 

EMDR offers a powerful, scientifically proven approach to healing from trauma. By helping your brain reprocess traumatic memories, EMDR can reduce their emotional impact and allow you to move forward with greater peace and resilience.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of trauma, EMDR could be the key to unlocking a more peaceful, fulfilling future.

Steps Involved

Ready to start your journey towards healing from trauma? Here are some steps you can take:

1. Seek out EMDR-certified therapists in your area
2. Feel empowered to ask your therapist questions about the process. If the therapist is unsure how to answer these questions, consider seeking other options
3. Consider online EMDR options if in-person services are limited
4. Prepare a list of your symptoms and concerns to discuss with a therapist
5. Start practising simple grounding techniques to prepare for therapy