EMDR: A Powerful Approach to Healing Trauma
Published on March 2025
We live in unprecedented times! I remember hearing this phrase often, usually carrying negative undertones. Even five years after the intense collective experience of the pandemic, many of us still feel trapped in stressful times. We navigate our daily lives battling feelings of sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty.
We are constantly bombarded with distressing news and images on social media—political strife, economic struggles, and social inequalities. As a result, we experience emotional distress, overstimulation, and unpredictable mood swings. While therapy, medication, and self-help strategies can be valuable, what happens when those solutions don’t bring the relief we seek?
What if our anxiety or depression isn’t just about current stressors but is deeply rooted in past negative experiences or trauma? This is where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can be a game-changer.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a highly effective therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. In my practice, I often explain it this way: When we enter the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep, our brain rapidly processes visuals, experiences, and emotions, helping us categorize and store them correctly.
EMDR therapy uses this same type of left-right brain stimulation, called bilateral stimulation, to help patients focus on past traumatic events. By doing so, they can change how these memories impact their self-perception, ultimately improving their mood and overall well-being.
"EMDR is a super-efficient way to uncover and heal how our past interferes with the way we see ourselves and the world around us."
If you’re struggling with lingering feelings of sadness or anxiety and traditional methods haven’t worked, EMDR could be the key to unlocking deeper healing. If you're interested in learning more, feel free to send me a message!
References
- Maxfield, L. (2019). A clinician’s guide to the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 239-246.
- Shapiro, F., & Forrest, M. S. (2016). EMDR: The breakthrough therapy for overcoming anxiety, stress, and trauma. Hachette UK.