What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?
If you’ve heard of EMDR therapy but aren’t quite sure what it is or how it actually helps, you’re not alone.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and while the name might sound clinical or even a bit confusing, the experience of EMDR is often described as transformative, calming, and deeply healing.
Originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now widely used to support people healing from anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, and other distressing life experiences. Whether the trauma is big or small, recent or long ago, EMDR helps the brain and body process it in a way that feels safer and more complete.
So… what is EMDR really? And why does it work?
A New Way to Heal Trauma
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to go into great detail about what happened. In fact, many people find it gentler than expected. That’s because EMDR is based on how the brain naturally processes memories, especially how it stores unprocessed or distressing experiences.
When something overwhelming happens, the brain doesn’t always file that memory away properly. Instead, it can get “stuck” in the nervous system, causing emotional triggers, anxious thoughts, or physical symptoms. EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation such as side-to-side eye movements or tapping to help unlock those stuck memories and reprocess them in a healthier way.
How EMDR Works
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the EMDR process:
We begin by creating safety
Your therapist will spend time getting to know you, building trust, and teaching grounding and regulation tools. You’ll never be rushed into the trauma processing phase.Targeting a memory or belief
Together, you’ll identify a specific memory, image, or belief that causes distress (like “I’m not safe” or “I’m not good enough”).Reprocessing with bilateral stimulation
While holding that image or feeling in mind, you’ll engage in bilateral stimulation. This activates both sides of the brain, helping to release the emotional charge and promote new insights or perspectives.Installing new, adaptive beliefs
Once the distress has lowered, you’ll focus on a more empowering belief such as “I am safe now” or “I can handle this.” EMDR helps your brain truly absorb that new truth.Body-based integration
Throughout the process, your therapist will help you stay connected to the body. EMDR supports nervous system regulation and helps shift from fight-or-flight into a calmer, more balanced state.
What It Feels Like
Clients often describe EMDR as surprising in the best way. You don’t have to relive trauma or explain every detail. Instead, your brain does the work in the background by processing, releasing, and reshaping how those memories live in your body.
Many people feel lighter, calmer, and less reactive after EMDR sessions. Triggers lose their intensity. Anxiety quiets down. Old stories begin to soften.
Why It Works
EMDR is backed by over 30 years of research and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) for trauma and PTSD. But more than that, it works because it honors the wisdom of the body and the resilience of the nervous system.
It’s not just about talking. It’s about shifting what’s stuck and creating space for peace.
Looking for EMDR Therapy in Kelowna?
If you’re curious about EMDR therapy Kelowna has options, and it’s important to choose a trauma therapist who feels safe, grounded, and supportive.
At Heart Centered EMDR, Ashlea offers a compassionate, individualized approach to trauma therapy in Kelowna, helping you reconnect with calm, strength, and healing at your own pace.
