When trauma shows up in your life—whether from a single event or something ongoing—it can feel like it’s hijacking your mind and body. You may know you’re safe now, but your nervous system doesn’t always get the memo. That’s where EMDR for trauma comes in. At Empowered Therapy, we often use EMDR to help clients gently process painful memories so they can feel more present, regulated, and empowered in their day-to-day lives. In this blog, we’re walking you through exactly how EMDR works, what happens during sessions, and what you can expect from the process.
How does EMDR work for trauma?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel as distressing. The magic of EMDR for trauma is that it doesn’t require you to talk in detail about what happened—making it a good fit for people who feel overwhelmed or stuck when revisiting those moments.
EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation, often in the form of guided eye movements, to help your brain “digest” unprocessed memories. These memories may be stored with all the intensity of the original experience, keeping your nervous system on high alert. EMDR helps desensitize the emotional charge connected to the memory and rewire how your brain understands the experience. Over time, what once felt overwhelming can begin to feel more distant and less emotionally charged.
What are the 8 phases of EMDR?
EMDR for trauma follows a specific 8-phase approach to ensure the work is paced, safe, and effective:
- History Taking – Your therapist gathers information about your background, current challenges, and whether EMDR is a good fit.
- Preparation – You’ll learn calming strategies and coping skills to help ground yourself during and outside of sessions.
- Assessment – Together, you’ll identify the specific memory to target, including images, beliefs, and body sensations.
- Desensitization – This is where bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) is introduced to help reduce the memory’s emotional impact.
- Installation – You’ll replace negative beliefs with more empowering ones that feel true and affirming.
- Body Scan – You’ll notice any lingering physical tension to ensure the memory is fully processed.
- Closure – Each session ends by helping you return to a calm state, even if the processing isn’t finished yet.
- Reevaluation – At the beginning of each new session, you and your therapist check in on past memories and current progress.
Each phase builds on the next, and your therapist will guide you at your own pace.
What is the success rate of EMDR therapy?
The success rate of EMDR for trauma is impressive. Research shows that up to 90% of single-trauma survivors no longer meet PTSD criteria after just three to four EMDR sessions. For those with complex or repeated trauma, the process may take longer, but the results can be just as powerful.
Many people report feeling significant relief after a few sessions—less anxiety, fewer triggers, better sleep, and more emotional resilience. At Empowered Therapy, we’ve seen clients find lasting shifts through EMDR, especially when other therapies haven’t reached the core of the issue.
What happens during an EMDR session?
An EMDR session can feel different from talk therapy. After identifying the memory you’ll work on, your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation—typically using eye movements, tapping, or sound tones. You won’t need to describe the trauma in detail. Instead, your job is to notice what thoughts, feelings, or sensations arise and simply “go with it.”
Your therapist will check in often and help you stay grounded if things feel intense. Many people are surprised by what comes up—it’s like your brain is making new connections on its own. The goal isn’t to erase the memory but to process it in a way that helps it lose its emotional grip on you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling stuck in old patterns or haunted by past experiences, EMDR for trauma might be a way forward. It’s not about forcing yourself to relive painful moments—it’s about letting your brain finally process them, with support, at a pace that feels safe. At Empowered Therapy, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Have questions about starting EMDR? We’d love to help. Reach out for a consultation today.