Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR helps the brain heal from difficult or traumatic experiences that may still feel “stuck” or painful. When something overwhelming happens, the memory can stay stored with all the emotions, body sensations, and thoughts that came with it — as if it’s still happening now.

Through gentle, guided eye movements or tapping, EMDR helps your brain process these memories in a new way. This process works much like what happens during REM sleep — when our brains naturally sort, organize, and make sense of experiences.

Over time, the memories that once felt intense or distressing become easier to think about. You may notice feeling calmer, more balanced, and more connected to the present.

At Heart and Heritage Therapy, EMDR is offered at your own pace and always within a safe, supportive environment — helping you move from surviving to healing with greater ease and self-understanding.

EMDR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Happens During an EMDR Session?

In an EMDR session, we begin by creating a sense of safety and identifying the memories or experiences that still feel distressing. You’ll be guided through a series of gentle eye movements, tapping, or sounds while focusing on parts of the memory. This process helps your brain reprocess the experience so it feels less emotionally charged. You are always in control and can pause or stop at any time.Add more detail about this feature, such as benefits or value

Will I have to relive my trauma?

No. EMDR is not about reliving painful experiences in detail — it’s about helping your brain process them differently. You don’t have to share every detail of your trauma for EMDR to be effective. The focus is on your emotional and physical responses, not on retelling the story.

How is EMDR different from traditional talk therapy?

While talk therapy focuses on understanding and insight, EMDR helps the brain reprocess stored memories that talking alone may not reach. It works with both the mind and body to release distress and build new, healthier connections.

Does EMDR erase memories?

No. EMDR doesn’t erase your memories — it changes how they’re stored and experienced. After EMDR, you can still remember what happened, but it no longer feels as painful, vivid, or overwhelming.

Is EMDR like hypnosis?

No. You remain awake, alert, and in control throughout the process. EMDR is a structured and evidence-based approach that helps your brain heal naturally.

Is EMDR safe for everyone?

Yes, EMDR can be used with adults, teens, and children. It’s always adapted to your needs, pace, and readiness. Together, we ensure that you have the skills and support needed before beginning the reprocessing phase.

How many sessions will I need?

Common Misconceptions

“EMDR is only for trauma.”
While EMDR is well known for treating trauma and PTSD, it can also help with anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, phobias, and other distressing experiences.

“I have to remember everything perfectly for EMDR to work.”
Not true — EMDR works even if you can’t recall every detail.

Common Misconceptions

“It sounds too simple to be effective.”
EMDR may seem gentle, but decades of research show that it’s highly effective in reducing distress and improving emotional well-being.