EMDR Therapy: What It Is, What to Expect, and Why It Works
So… you’re thinking about EMDR, but you’re not totally sure what you’re signing up for?
Maybe someone said it helped their anxiety or trauma, or maybe you just heard it involves moving your eyes around and thought… huh? Sounds fake, but okay.
Wait, What Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—a mouthful, but the basic idea is this: it helps your brain do what it’s wired to do—heal.
Instead of going in circles talking about the same painful thing over and over, EMDR uses things like eye movements, tapping, or sounds to help your brain reprocess the memory so it doesn’t keep showing up like a jump scare in a horror movie.
Think of it like your brain running a behind-the-scenes update: organizing the messy files, clearing out the emotional clutter, and making space for things to feel a little less… overwhelming.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
1. We don’t just dive in—we build a foundation first.
We take time to make sure you feel safe, resourced, and in the loop. That means talking through your history, teaching you how to ground yourself when things get intense, and making sure the pace feels doable. No rushing, no emotional cliff-diving.
2. We figure out what’s stuck.
Together, we’ll identify the memories or beliefs that are still showing up and messing with your present. It could be a specific event, or it might be a more subtle, persistent belief like I’m not safe or I’m too much. Either way, we’ll map it out.
3. The “weird but it works” part.
This is where we start the reprocessing. You focus on the memory, and I’ll guide you through some kind of bilateral stimulation—usually eye movements, tapping, or sound. It might feel a little strange at first, but your brain gets it. It knows what to do.
Instead of staying stuck in the old emotional loop, things start to shift. The memory becomes less charged, less painful, less defining.
4. You might get some surprising insights.
EMDR has a way of helping you connect the dots. People often realize, “Oh… that’s where that belief came from.” These little aha moments show up on their own—no forcing, no overthinking.
5. We lock in the good stuff.
Once the emotional intensity is dialed down, we focus on replacing old, unhelpful beliefs with more accurate, compassionate ones. Like swapping out I’m broken for I’m capable. This part helps your brain actually believe the shift, not just intellectually understand it.
6. We end with grounding—not emotional whiplash.
Sessions can bring a lot up, but we won’t leave you hanging. We always wrap with tools to help you feel steady, grounded, and like you’re not walking out of the office mid-emotional tornado.
Common Questions (a.k.a. Totally Reasonable Things to Wonder)
Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail?
Nope. EMDR focuses more on how the memory is stored in your nervous system than on the details themselves. You don’t need to relive it or tell your whole story for it to work.
Will I feel wrecked after a session?
Maybe a little wobbly, especially early on. Some people feel lighter right away, others feel tired or stirred up before things settle. Either way, we build in support and pacing so you’re not just raw and flailing.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on what you’re working through. Some people see big shifts in just a few sessions. Others need more time to work through deeper layers. We go at a pace that works for you—no assembly line therapy here.
Final Thoughts
EMDR isn’t magic, but it is powerful. It helps you move through hard experiences—not just talk about them endlessly, but actually feel different. And that’s the goal: not just insight, but relief.
If you’re curious or ready to try it out, we’re here. You don’t have to keep spinning your wheels or doing it all on your own. Contact Willow & Moss Counseling if you’re ready to get started.
Willow & Moss Counseling – Compassionate Therapy in Cherokee & Cobb County, Serving Woodstock, Holly Springs, Canton, Kennesaw, and Marietta.
