What Is EMDR Therapy? A Simple Guide for Anyone Curious About This Approach
At Main Line Counseling Partners, the team is committed to helping people feel happier one conversation at a time. Many clients in Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, and throughout the Greater Philadelphia area have questions about different therapy options—especially when they’re searching for relief from anxiety, trauma, or painful memories. One of the most common questions is:
What is EMDR therapy?
Here’s a clear, understandable overview of what EMDR is and how it works.
EMDR in a Nutshell
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
It is an evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from distressing or traumatic experiences.
Most people think of talk therapy as the main way to work through trauma. EMDR is different. Instead of focusing on long discussions about what happened, EMDR uses a structured method that helps the brain reprocess overwhelming memories so they no longer feel as upsetting or “stuck.”
It is not hypnosis.
It is not a quick fix.
It is not a “woo-woo” approach.
EMDR is a clinically proven treatment used around the world, supported by decades of research.
How EMDR Works
When someone goes through a difficult or frightening experience, the brain sometimes can’t fully process it. The memory gets stored in a raw, unprocessed form. This is why people may continue to feel anxiety, shame, fear, or panic long after the event is over.
EMDR helps the brain do what it naturally wants to do: heal.
The process includes:
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Identifying a memory that still feels upsetting
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Using bilateral stimulation (usually gentle back-and-forth eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds)
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Allowing the brain to reprocess the memory in a calmer, more adaptive way
Over time, the memory becomes less intense. The person is still aware of what happened, but it no longer triggers the same emotional pain.
What EMDR Feels Like
People often describe EMDR as “strangely effective.”
Sessions are structured, predictable, and supportive.
During the reprocessing phase, the therapist guides the client through sets of eye movements or taps while they focus briefly on the troubling memory. After each set, the therapist helps the client track what comes up—thoughts, emotions, sensations—and continues until the distress decreases.
Clients typically notice:
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The memory feels farther away
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Their body feels calmer
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Their thoughts shift from self-blame to clarity
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They no longer react to triggers the same way
Many people say, “The memory is still there, but it feels like it finally belongs in the past.”
What EMDR Helps With
EMDR is widely known for trauma treatment, but it can help with many concerns, including:
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Anxiety and panic
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PTSD
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Childhood trauma
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Grief and loss
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Phobias
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Distressing medical experiences
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Relationship wounds, including betrayal, affairs or loss of trust
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Negative self-beliefs
Research shows EMDR can be just as effective as other trauma therapies, sometimes in less time because it helps the brain process the root of the problem rather than only managing symptoms.
Is EMDR Right for You?
We have noticed at our practice that people who choose EMDR often feel stuck. They may have tried traditional therapy but still experience old patterns, emotional triggers, or memories that won’t let go. EMDR creates a path forward when talking alone isn’t enough.
At Main Line Counseling Partners, several therapists are trained and experienced in using EMDR in a supportive, evidence-based way. No one is pushed into reprocessing before they are ready. Safety, pacing, and emotional regulation come first.
Getting Started With EMDR in the Greater Philadelphia Area
Christina Bair, LCSW is currently taking on new clients who want to include EMDR in their therapy. Her office is located in Bryn Mawr for in person therapy, or you may also meet with her for online therapy if you are in the state of Pennsylvania.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 610-679-9138 or reach out through the contact page.
Main Line Counseling Partners helps people feel happier one conversation at a time.