What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It’s a trauma treatment that uses our brain’s natural processes to control our emotions around trauma.

It’s often done in tandem with other types of trauma therapies in order to resolve the symptoms of trauma and address its core causes.

Read more about the different trauma therapies at Inner Balance Counseling.

EMDR is guided by the therapist with the client in the driver seat. The client will identify a memory and discuss the emotions associated with it. The therapist’s job is to encourage discussion while conducting bilateral stimulation to encourage memory processing. 

How Does EMDR Treat Trauma?

EMDR works because bilateral stimulation mimics the way we naturally process memories. 

Essentially, trauma stays with us in painful ways because those memories aren’t processed. They’re not in a place where they’re in our control to recall or move on from.  

Bilateral stimulation mimics what happens physiologically and psychologically during REM sleep—the sleep phase where we “file away” memories. Along with the guidance of the therapist, the client can reframe traumatic memories as less painful.

To learn more about this process, read our full guide on EMDR.

What Kind of Trauma Can EMDR Treat?

Nearly any kind of trauma can be resolved through EMDR. Trauma comes in so many shapes and sizes—for some people, it happened in a single moment, and for others, it happened over years.

EMDR isn’t for everyone, but it is incredibly successful for those who do it. When you first talk to a counselor at Inner Balance, we’ll chat about your goals and your past so that we can find the best trauma treatment for you.

Talk to the Trauma Experts at Inner Balance Counseling

Our priority is to our clients and giving them top-quality trauma treatment. We provide intensive EMDR training for each and every therapist here.

We understand that trauma can be a shadow that seems to cover every aspect of your life, and it’s often at the core of other mental health concerns. The trauma-informed approach at Inner Balance Counseling can help you resolve your trauma so you can see a brighter future.

Reach out today so we can work together for a healthier you.