EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy? - Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing -

EMDR helps people process traumatic experiences that are stuck in the brain, causing emotional distress and reframe automatic negative self talk. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to talk in detail about the trauma. Instead, a client might report how they are feeling in the moment of processing or what they noticed as they began to think about themselves. Bilateral stimulation is used to help the brain work through the memory while reminding the client that they are safe in the here and now. Bilateral stimulation can be achieved in different ways; at Cozy I use a device that clients can hold in their hands, close their eyes, and feel a gentle vibration back and forth between hands.

How It Works

When we experience trauma, our brain sometimes can't process the memory properly. It gets "frozen in time," so whenever something reminds us of it, we react like the trauma is happening again. Just as your body creates muscle memory while riding a bike, your brain can create muscle memory during trauma.

Bilateral stimulation is used to create new comforting muscle memory while you recall the memory. This helps your brain "unstick" the memory and process it in a healthier way—moving it from emotional overload to a more logical, calm understanding.

8 Phases of EMDR (Simplified)

History & Planning – I learn about you and your experiences and collaboratively identify target memories.

Preparation – You learn relaxation and coping techniques. We define a safe space mentally.

Assessment – You choose a specific memory to work on. Most often your earliest memories are best but some might say your most visceral memories are more helpful.

Desensitization – You focus on the memory while doing eye movements or other bilateral stimulation.

Installation – You focus on positive beliefs while doing bilateral stimulation.

Body Scan – You check if your body feels tense or calm and address what comes up.

Closure – The session ends with you feeling safe and grounded.

Re-evaluation – At the next session, you review your progress.

Bilateral Stimulation Examples

Moving eyes side to side (most common)

Tapping hands alternately

Neurotek hand pulsers *

Listening to tones in each ear

Who Is It For?

EMDR is especially effective for:

PTSD and trauma

Anxiety and panic attacks

Grief

Phobias

Childhood abuse or neglect

Why It’s Unique

Less talking: Your mind processes while you are calmly silent during processing. Responses in between processing are relatively short to build more context or insight.

Fast results: Many people feel better in fewer sessions than with traditional therapy.

Science-backed: Recommended by organizations like the APA and WHO for trauma.