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EMDR: Healing Trauma Through the Eyes

5 Minutes

Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Sarah Boss
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At The Balance, we know there are two ways to access the mind: through the brain and through the body. Our treatment lives in this unique integration. One approach that stands out for its transformative effects is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is one of the many techniques we have in our toolbox to help clients evolve their own self-perception. This technique has gained recognition worldwide for helping individuals process and overcome even the most deeply rooted emotional pain. We sat down for a conversation with one of our EMDR certified therapists, David Cornwell, to discuss the history of the technique, how it works, and what a typical session looks like.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s during an unexpected moment of personal insight. While going through a stressful period, Shapiro noticed that her distressing thoughts felt less intense when she went for walks. When trying to figure out why, she realised that her eyes naturally moved back and forth as she walked. This sparked her hypothesis that these eye movements somehow helped her process and reduced the emotional impact of her thoughts. This led her to explore the idea that bilateral stimulation—the rhythmic activation of both the left and right sides of the brain—might play a key role in processing trauma.

Shapiro built on this insight to eventually develop what we now know today as EMDR. Her hypothesis proved correct, and led her to develop it even further. She discovered that bilateral stimulation could be achieved not only through eye movements but also through tapping or alternating sounds. These techniques help stimulate both brain hemispheres, encouraging the integration of traumatic memories into a more organized, less distressing form. This breakthrough formed the foundation for a therapeutic process that has since transformed countless lives.

When someone experiences trauma, their brain may struggle to process the memory, leaving it “stuck” in an unprocessed state. This can lead to intense emotional reactions, intrusive thoughts, or flashbacks whenever the memory is triggered. It’s as if the brain continues to relive the trauma rather than simply remember it.

EMDR helps shift this dynamic. By guiding clients to recall the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation—whether through eye movements, gentle tapping, or sounds—the brain is able to reprocess the memory. It moves from the emotionally charged, “reliving” state to a more neutral, “remembering” state. The result? The memory no longer carries the same pain or negative beliefs that once accompanied it.

One way David Cornwell, an EMDR therapist, describes the process is as “an exorcism of sorts—something that’s been bothering you your whole life just stops having the same power over you.” For example, a person might repeatedly revisit the thought “I am unlovable” due to past neglect or abuse. Through EMDR, this thought loses its grip, and a new belief, such as “I am worthy of love,” takes its place.

Bilateral stimulation is a cornerstone of EMDR. It involves stimulating the left and right hemispheres of the brain alternately. This can be done in several ways:

•  Eye movements: The client follows the therapist’s hand as it moves back and forth.

•  Tapping: The therapist taps lightly on the client’s hands or shoulders in an alternating pattern.

•  Sounds: Alternating tones or beeps are played through headphones.

This process helps the brain integrate and “file away” the traumatic memory, much like organizing files in a messy cabinet. Clients often report feeling a sense of relief or lightness after a session, as if the memory has finally been put in its rightful place.

At The Balance, we’ve seen firsthand how EMDR can transform lives. It’s particularly effective for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, or negative self-beliefs. EMDR sessions are structured and methodical, following a kind of script that can be spontaneously adapted the client and their needs. David Cornwell describes the experience as being on a mental “train ride,” uncovering thoughts and memories on the journey and dropping unhelpful ones off along the way. Cornwell shares:  “I know people who’ve suffered intense abuse, and after just a few sessions of EMDR, they feel a sense of freedom they never thought possible.”

  1. Identifying the Target Memory:

The therapist begins with a thorough intake, discussing the client’s history and identifying the memory or belief causing distress. For example, a client who experienced childhood neglect might struggle with the belief, “I am unlovable.”

  1. Exploring Beliefs and Sensations:

The therapist asks the client to rate the intensity of the belief on a scale of 1 to 10. They might also ask where in the body the client feels the associated discomfort—perhaps a tight chest or sinking feeling in the stomach.

  1. Bilateral Stimulation and Processing:

The therapist then guides the client through bilateral stimulation while the client focuses on the memory or belief. This phase often feels like a journey, with thoughts and feelings coming up in waves. A client might recall moments like sitting alone in their family kitchen or feeling ignored during childhood. The therapist gently helps the client process these memories.

  1. Installing Positive Beliefs:

As the negative memory loses its charge, the therapist helps the client reinforce a positive belief—such as “I am lovable”—using the same bilateral stimulation techniques. This is known as “installing” the new belief.

  1. Reevaluating:

By the end of the session, the therapist checks in with the client to reassess the intensity of the original belief. Most clients notice a significant reduction, often feeling empowered or calm.

EMDR is a powerful healing tool, helping clients process painful memories and rewrite the stories they tell themselves. It’s not about forgetting the past but reframing it in a way that allows individuals to move forward with greater peace and clarity. For those ready to let go of the weight of past trauma, EMDR offers a pathway to healing that is as profound as it is accessible. At The Balance, we are proud to offer this life-changing therapy as part of our holistic approach to mental health and well-being.

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Complex trauma is often a key factor to distress mental and physical state. The Balance provides a safe space along integrated trauma treatment methods to enable healing.

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