What Is EMDR Therapy?
If you’ve ever wondered why certain memories or feelings keep haunting you—no matter how much you journal, meditate, or “work on yourself”—EMDR therapy might help.
And no, it’s not as intense or strange as it sounds.
EMDR Therapy in Everyday Language
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Sounds complicated, right? Here’s what it really means:
When something overwhelming happens—whether it’s a big trauma (like an accident, loss, or abuse) or ongoing stress (like constant pressure, burnout, or criticism)—your brain doesn’t always “file” the memory away properly. It gets stuck.
Instead of sitting neatly in the past, it keeps showing up in the present:
Snapping at someone you love and feeling guilty right away
Avoiding emails, texts, or tasks because they feel “too much”
Sitting on the couch but unable to relax because your brain won’t shut off
Feeling frozen, numb, or like you’re just going through the motions
That’s your nervous system still carrying the weight of an old experience.
EMDR helps your brain re-file those stuck memories so they stop running the show.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
Forget the idea of lying on a couch while I wave a pocket watch at you—this isn’t hypnosis.
Here’s what really happens:
We identify what feels stuck (it could be a memory, a belief about yourself, or even just a body sensation).
I guide you through bilateral stimulation—usually eye movements, tapping, or gentle sounds—that activate both sides of your brain.
While we do this, your brain starts reprocessing the memory. It’s like taking a messy file left open on your desktop and finally putting it into the right folder.
👉 Important: You don’t have to share every detail of what happened. You stay present and grounded, and your brain does the healing work.
Most people notice that over time, the memory or feeling doesn’t hit as hard. It’s still part of your story, but it no longer controls the present.
What EMDR Can Help With
Research—and my clients’ experiences—show EMDR can be powerful for:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic
Grief and loss
Perfectionism and “never feeling enough”
Burnout and stress that won’t go away
Feeling frozen or stuck after painful events
Most of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside—successful, busy, holding it all together—but inside they feel maxed out, anxious, or numb. EMDR helps with both “big T” traumas (accidents, abuse, loss) and “little t” traumas (ongoing stress, criticism, overwhelm).
EMDR Is Not About “Forgetting”
This is important: EMDR doesn’t erase memories. It helps your brain process them differently so you don’t keep reliving them.
One client described it as:
“I still know it happened, but it doesn’t take over my whole body anymore.”
What EMDR Feels Like
People often say EMDR feels surprisingly gentle. You’re awake, aware, and in control the whole time.
Many describe it as “weirdly effective”—like, how can moving my eyes back and forth help me feel calmer? But our brains are wired to heal when given the right conditions, and EMDR taps into that natural ability.
If You’re Considering EMDR Therapy in La Grange, IL
If you’ve tried deep breathing, baths, or powering through—and it still isn’t helping—EMDR might be worth exploring.
I offer EMDR therapy in La Grange, IL (and virtually for Illinois residents). Together, we’ll go at your pace, and I’ll guide you step by step.
You don’t have to carry the past forever. Healing is possible—and EMDR is one way forward.
👉 Next step: Click here for a consultation. Let’s see if EMDR feels like the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
How long does EMDR therapy take?
It depends. Some people notice changes in just a few sessions, while others work through deeper layers over months. We’ll go at your pace—there’s no rushing.
Will EMDR make me relive my trauma?
No. You won’t be forced to re-experience everything. EMDR is designed to keep you safe while your brain does the healing work. You’ll always be in control.
Is EMDR only for “big trauma”?
Not at all. EMDR can help with both “capital T” traumas (accidents, abuse, loss) and “little t” traumas (burnout, perfectionism, chronic stress).
What if I don’t want to talk about what happened?
That’s okay. With EMDR, you don’t have to share every detail. Sometimes you just hold the memory or feeling in mind while we work—and your brain still reprocesses it.
Is EMDR therapy safe?
Yes. EMDR has been researched for decades and is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes! EMDR can be effective virtually as well as in person.