EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

At Positive Pathways Counseling, EMDR is used as one of several approaches to help people process difficult experiences and move forward in a healthier way.

Therapy is always tailored to your needs, and EMDR is only used when it feels like the right fit for your goals.

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced-based, trauma-informed therapy that helps clients process difficult or traumatic experiences.

When something very stressful happens, the brain doesn’t always fully process the experience. The memory can become “stuck,” and reminders of it may trigger strong reactions. EMDR helps the brain to finish processing those memories. To put it simply, EMDR “gets the stuck unstuck.”

During EMDR, you focus on a difficult memory while using a form of bilateral stimulation (such as rapid eye movements similar to what we experience during REM sleep, or alternative tapping on the body). This helps the brain reprocess the memory so it becomes less emotionally intense. This results in increased ability to live an emotionally healthy and adaptive life.

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma and PTSD, but research has shown it can also help with:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Distressing memories
• Grief and loss
• Phobias
• Negative self-beliefs
• Experiences from childhood that still affect you today

What does the process of EMDR look like?

EMDR is a structured process with several steps. Here is an informational video as provided by the EMDR International Association:

How does EMDR help the brain?

EMDR is based on the idea that the brain has a natural drive toward healing, similar to how the body is able to heal from physical wounds. That healing process can sometimes get interrupted by overwhelming experiences; EMDR aids the brain’s natural reprocessing system so the memory can be recalled without the intense emotional charge it once had.

Who Might Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR may be a good fit if:

• You feel “stuck” in memories from the past
• Certain triggers cause intense emotional reactions
• You logically know something is over but your body still reacts
• Talk therapy alone hasn’t fully resolved the issue

EMDR can be used alongside traditional therapy approaches and is always tailored to each person’s needs. Your therapist will work with you to help determine the best treatment option for you.

Do I have to talk about every detail of my trauma to engage in EMDR?

No. While EMDR does involve thinking about difficult experiences, you do not need to describe every detail of the traumatic experience outloud. The goal is to process the memory safely while building necessary skills to stay grounded during the process, and your therapist will ensure therapy moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

Will I lose control during EMDR?

No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain fully aware and in control during the process. You can pause or stop at any time.

Will EMDR erase my memories?

No. The memories are still there. Instead, EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity connected to them so they feel less overwhelming, upsetting, or controlling.

Is EMDR only for severe trauma?

No. EMDR can be helpful for many types of distressing experiences, including anxiety, difficult life events, negative self-beliefs, and past experiences that still feel emotionally “stuck.”

What is the difference between “EMDR-informed,” “EMDR-trained,” and “EMDR-certified”?

EMDR requires specialized training for clinicians. There are several stages of training:

EMDR-Informed: An EMDR-informed clinician has completed the didactic training portion of EMDR Basic Training (40 hours) and learned the foundations of the EMDR model and protocol. At this stage, the therapist is continuing consultation and supervision to deepen their skills before completing the full training.

EMDR-Trained: An EMDR-trained clinician has completed the entire EMDR Basic Training, which includes the coursework, practicum experiences, and 10 hours of consultation with an approved consultant. After finishing these requirements, the clinician receives a certificate of completion and may describe themselves as EMDR trained and incorporate EMDR therapy into their clinical practice.

EMDR-Certified: EMDR certification is an optional advanced credential offered through EMDRIA. To become certified, clinicians must complete additional consultation hours beyond basic training, demonstrate experience using EMDR with multiple clients, and submit an application for review. Certification reflects a higher level of ongoing training and experience with the model.

Disclosure: At this time, Jennifer Kaiser, LPC-MHSP is EMDR-Informed. She has completed the 40-hour EMDR Basic Training and is currently completing consultation hours toward becoming fully EMDR-trained through the EMDR International Association. She will continue to pursue consultation and education to ensure that EMDR is used safely and effectively with clients.