Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Traumatic experiences, whether they are a singular event, long-term, or complex, can have lingering effects on your mental health, as well as your relationships, physical health, and sense of safety in the world.

It is common for those who have experienced trauma to find themselves feeling constantly on edge, overwhelmed by anxiety, disconnected from others, struggling with self-esteem, or experiencing memories that seem impossible to leave behind.

Handel Behavioral Health understands that not all therapy approaches or medications work for everyone. This is why our practice employs licensed mental health counselors who are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

EMDR therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps people process traumatic experiences and reduce the emotional distress connected to painful memories. Unlike some forms of therapy that focus primarily on talking through experiences, EMDR works directly with how traumatic memories are stored in the brain and body.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy approach designed to help the brain no longer feel like it has “unfinished business” and stop replaying the event in an attempt to gain closure.

EMDR therapy helps the brain revisit these memories in a safe and controlled way so they can be processed effectively with the guidance of a mental health professional.

The goal of EMDR is not to erase memories or make you forget what happened. Instead, it helps reduce the emotional intensity attached to those memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or continue to interfere with daily life.

EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by organizations including the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Many people find significant relief from the distress of their trauma and feel more grounded, empowered, and able to move forward after EMDR treatment.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

After a traumatic event, your brain processes and stores the memory differently, with the intention of protecting you from future danger. These memories can remain emotionally intense, with certain sights, sounds, situations, or emotions triggering reactions that feel as real as if the experience were happening in the present.

So even when your mind feels like it has processed these feelings, the brain may struggle to heal on its own. Think of it like a broken leg: You can believe all you want that you can walk it off, but without the support of a cast, the leg may heal in a way that prevents you from walking the way you did before.

With this understanding of the brain, EMDR therapy uses a process called bilateral stimulation. A trained therapist may use guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds while the client focuses on a specific memory, thought, feeling, or sensation.

The rhythmic, alternating stimuli can distract both the left and right sides of the brain, which can lessen the intensity of the memory, as well as provide a parasympathetic relaxation response by calming the amygdala.

The client may feel a variety of sensations during this time, but is completely alert and in control. They may feel like images flashing by in their mind, or that they are watching themselves in third person inside the memory.

Revisiting a memory intentionally, with guidance from a mental health professional, can help clients reprocess, desensitize themselves, and gain closure.

EMDR Therapy vs. Traditional Talk Therapy

Traditional talk therapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be incredibly effective for many concerns, and EMDR often complements other therapeutic approaches.

One unique aspect of EMDR is that it does not require you to describe every detail of a traumatic experience. While some discussion is necessary, the focus is less on repeatedly retelling your story and more on helping your brain process and heal from what happened.

For many trauma survivors, this can make treatment feel more manageable and less emotionally exhausting.

EMDR may be particularly helpful for individuals who:

• Feel “stuck” despite previous therapy
• Experience intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Struggle with trauma-related anxiety
• Have difficulty talking about painful experiences
• Notice strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders of past events

What Conditions Can EMDR Help Treat?

EMDR therapy was originally developed for PTSD, but research has expanded significantly over the past several decades.

EMDR therapy may help individuals experiencing:

• PTSD and other stress-related issues
• Trauma: Complex trauma, childhood trauma, emotional abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, combat trauma, medical trauma
• Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
• Depression 
• Eating disorders
• Grief and loss
• Sexual assault
• Substance use disorder and addiction
• Personality disorders
• Chronic pain or illness and medical issues

Note that trauma can come in many forms, and whether or not it seems severe enough to others, any negative memory that is affecting your day-to-day life is traumatic to you.

Trauma can result from singular experiences, but it can also stem from ongoing experiences such as chronic criticism, neglect, bullying, discrimination, or emotionally painful life events.

What Happens During EMDR Therapy

Your therapist will move at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for you. EMDR therapy is never about forcing you to revisit traumatic experiences before you’re ready.

Treatment typically begins with building trust, learning coping skills, and developing resources to help you feel grounded throughout the process.

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase treatment model:

1. History and Treatment Planning

Your therapist learns about your experiences, symptoms, strengths, and goals while identifying memories or experiences that may be contributing to current difficulties.

2. Preparation

You and your therapist build skills to help you manage difficult emotions and feel supported throughout treatment.

3. Assessment

Specific memories, beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations connected to distress are identified.

4. Reprocessing

Using bilateral stimulation, you will focus on aspects of the memory while allowing thoughts, feelings, and associations to emerge naturally.

5. Installation

Positive beliefs and adaptive perspectives are strengthened and reinforced.

6. Body Scan

You will check for any remaining physical tension or distress connected to the memory.

7. Closure

Each session ends with techniques to help you feel grounded and stable before leaving.

8. Reevaluation

Progress is reviewed and future treatment targets are identified as needed.

Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes long, although treatment plans vary depending on your individual needs, goals, and history.

Looking for a Certified EMDR Therapist in Massachusetts?

You deserve support that recognizes the impact trauma can have on your life while helping you build a future that feels safer, more meaningful, and more connected.

At Handel Behavioral Health, our EMDR-trained therapists provide trauma-informed care in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Whether you’re coping with PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety, grief, or another difficult life experience, we’re here to help.

We offer both online EMDR therapy throughout Massachusetts and in-person EMDR therapy at our offices in Amherst, West Springfield, Wilbraham, Natick, and Franklin.

To schedule an appointment with an EMDR therapist in Massachusetts, call (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

About The Author