EMDR Therapy: How It Helps You Heal From Trauma (and How It Works Online)
Trauma can leave you feeling stuck—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Even years after a distressing event, your body may react as if the danger is still present. You may experience anxiety, intrusive memories, nightmares, emotional numbness, or a sense that you’re “on edge” all the time.
If this sounds familiar, EMDR therapy may be an effective option.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based, highly researched therapy designed to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories, so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotional or physical responses
What Is EMDR?
EMDR isn’t traditional talk therapy.
You don’t have to retell your trauma in detail.
You don’t have to relive the event.
Instead, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or audio tones) to help you process trauma safely and with more emotional distance.
During EMDR, the brain essentially reorganizes the memory, reducing the emotional intensity, body responses, and negative beliefs connected to it.
Many clients describe it as finally being able to:
remember what happened without feeling flooded
understand the event differently
move forward without carrying the same emotional weight
What EMDR Helps With
EMDR is effective for many types of trauma, including:
Sexual assault
Sudden loss or grief
Anxiety, panic, or phobias connected to past events
If you feel “stuck” or overly reactive, EMDR may help your nervous system find relief
What to Expect During EMDR Therapy
EMDR follows an eight-phase model, but the process is gentle, structured, and collaborative. You and your therapist move at a pace that feels safe.
A typical EMDR session may include:
1. Preparation
You learn grounding skills so you don’t feel overwhelmed during processing.
2. Identifying the Target Memory
We choose a memory, trigger, or negative belief you want relief from.
Example: “I’m not safe,” “I’m broken,” “It was my fault.”
3. Bilateral Stimulation
This may involve:
following a light bar with your eyes
tapping (self-tapping or using devices)
alternating audio tones
tactile buzzers
4. Processing the Memory
Your brain begins to reprocess the memory naturally.
Many people describe:
feeling lighter
feeling less “activated”
gaining new insights
reducing somatic tension
5. Installing Positive Beliefs
Once distress decreases, we strengthen helpful beliefs such as: “I am safe now,” “I am worthy,” or “I can trust myself.”
How EMDR Works Virtually (Telehealth EMDR)
One of the biggest questions people ask is: “Does EMDR still work online?”
The answer is yes — virtual EMDR is clinically effective and widely used, especially since many trauma specialists now practice through telehealth.
Here’s how it works:
1. You join a secure video session
Just like any teletherapy appointment.
2. Your therapist uses online EMDR tools
We may use:
a virtual light bar on your screen
bilateral audio tones using headphones
tapping methods you can do yourself
visual cues the therapist controls
3. You remain in full control
Because you’re in your own space, many clients feel safer and more regulated, which actually supports the EMDR process.
4. Stabilization & grounding are built into every sessio
We pause as needed, monitor your emotional window of tolerance, and adjust pacing to make sure you feel supported.
Why Virtual EMDR Works Well for Trauma:
You process memories in a familiar, safe environment
You avoid driving to an office while emotionally activated
You can immediately rest and decompress after sessions
It is ideal for clients who dissociate, shut down, or feel hypervigilant in clinical settings
For many people, virtual EMDR feels just as effective—or more effective—than in-person sessions.
Is EMDR Right for You?
You may be a good fit for EMDR if:
you feel stuck or “frozen” emotionally
you have trauma that traditional talk therapy hasn’t healed
certain memories still trigger anxiety or shame
you want relief without retelling the trauma in full detail
you want a structured, efficient approach to trauma recovery
you want therapy that addresses both the mind and body
Clients often report noticeable improvement in a shorter period compared to traditional therapy.
Begin EMDR Therapy in Michigan (Online)
If you’re ready to feel less burdened by the past and more grounded in the present, EMDR can help. I provide virtual EMDR therapy for adolescents and adults across Michigan, including Macomb County, Oakland County, and surrounding areas.
You deserve healing that feels safe, supportive, and effective.
About the Author
I’m a trauma-focused therapist serving clients across Michigan through secure online telehealth. I specialize in childhood trauma, emotional neglect, PTSD/CPTSD, medical trauma, relationship trauma, religious trauma, and Veteran trauma. My work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and helping clients reconnect with safety and self-trust.
