🌿 What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Explained

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach to healing that helps people process painful or distressing experiences in a way that creates lasting emotional change.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements or tapping — to help your brain activate its natural healing process. This allows you to not only know that you’re safe, worthy, or strong, but to truly feel it on a deep emotional level.

At Open Compass Counseling in Flagler Beach, Florida, I use EMDR therapy to help teens and adults heal from trauma, anxiety, grief, medical trauma, perinatal trauma, toxic relationships, and more — both in person and through telehealth statewide.

"EMDR therapy"

🧠 How EMDR Therapy Works

Our brains have an adaptive information processing system (AIP), which helps us learn, adapt, and heal from experiences over time. When something upsetting happens, the brain usually processes it, stores what’s useful, and lets go of what’s not.

But when a disturbing or traumatic event overwhelms us, that processing can get “stuck.” These experiences — along with the feelings, sensations, and beliefs tied to them — can become isolated from healthier, more adaptive networks. When something in the present triggers them, we may feel emotions like fear, shame, or worthlessness, even when we know logically we are safe and worthy.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sound) as a catalyst to help the brain reconnect these memory networks. This allows your mind to release outdated emotional pain and integrate new, adaptive responses.

🌀 The result: You keep what is healthy, and let go of what no longer serves you.

"EMDR therapy in FLagler Beach, FL"

📚 A Brief History of EMDR

EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., who discovered that certain types of eye movements could help reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories. She speculated that these movements were similar to REM sleep, the brain’s natural processing state.

Shapiro integrated EMDR with other therapeutic approaches to create a structured and effective way to help clients reprocess disturbing memories and restore a sense of safety and resilience. Since then, EMDR has been backed by extensive research and is recognized as an effective trauma treatment worldwide.

📊 How Effective Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy has been studied extensively and is recognized around the world as an effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD, C-PTSD, and other trauma-related symptoms.

Unlike many traditional therapies, EMDR often works quickly and powerfully, allowing many people to experience significant relief in a shorter time.

🧪 Research Findings on EMDR Effectiveness

  • A study found that up to 90% of single-trauma victims no longer met criteria for PTSD after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions.

  • Another study reported that 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims no longer had PTSD after six 50-minute sessions.

  • A separate study showed that 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD after twelve EMDR sessions.

These results are remarkable, and while every person’s healing journey is unique, EMDR has consistently been shown to reduce symptoms of trauma faster than many other therapeutic modalities.

🪜 What EMDR Therapy Looks Like in Treatment

1. Treatment Planning

  • We begin by exploring your current concerns and identifying how past experiences may be influencing your present.

  • Together, we develop a personalized treatment plan that supports your specific goals.

  • EMDR can be used alongside other therapeutic approaches to provide comprehensive support.

2. EMDR Processing

  • You’ll be gently guided to access the target memory or experience through a series of structured questions.

  • Sets of eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are applied while you allow your mind to freely process the experience.

  • You remain fully present, aware, and in control throughout the process.

  • EMDR processing continues until the distress is reduced and the memory is updated to an adaptive, present-day perspective.

  • Complex experiences may take multiple sessions, but many clients notice meaningful shifts early on.

3. Integration

  • Once the distressing memories have been processed, we integrate these new insights and sensations into your daily life.

  • Clients often describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control — as if the event is “in the past where it belongs.”

💬 Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR

Do I have to tell you all the details of my experience?

No. One of the unique aspects of EMDR therapy is that you don’t need to share every detail of the traumatic event in order for the brain to process it.

Will I feel emotions or sensations during EMDR?

Yes. EMDR can bring up emotions or sensations, but the process is done in a safe and supportive environment. You will remain present and in control throughout the session.

Is EMDR like hypnosis?

No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You are awake, alert, and aware at all times.

Is EMDR a quick fix?

The length of treatment depends on the complexity of your experiences and your individual goals. EMDR can be brief for some concerns and part of a longer therapeutic process for others.

🌿 Why EMDR Works

EMDR therapy doesn’t erase your past — it helps your brain understand it differently. Many people find that after EMDR, they can think about a difficult experience without being flooded by pain, fear, or shame.

EMDR has been shown to be effective for:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Depression

  • Medical trauma and loss of function

  • Perinatal and birth trauma

  • Toxic or abusive relationships

  • Grief and complicated loss

📍 In-Person and Telehealth Sessions

📍 Open Compass Counseling
712 S Ocean Shore Blvd
Flagler Beach, FL 32136
📞 386-259-0557

I offer EMDR therapy in person in Flagler Beach and online throughout Florida, making treatment accessible wherever you are.

🧭 Begin Your Healing Journey with EMDR

You don’t have to stay stuck in the pain of the past. EMDR therapy can help your brain and body let go of what’s no longer needed — so you can live with more calm, confidence, and connection.