Eye Moves, Heart Heals: How EMDR Broke My Trauma Cycle

Have you ever wondered whether the body and mind store negative life experiences? Do you find yourself feeling physically and emotionally stuck, destined to repeat the same tormenting cycle each day? If so, you may benefit from a treatment called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). In this blog, we’ll explore how this form of therapy can help heal past or current trauma. I’m sharing my story to offer encouragement and compassion to those struggling with trauma.

There I was, staring at a computer screen with a blue dot, wondering how in the world this was ever going to help me shed the pain and suffering I’d endured over the years living with trauma. I listened to my friends' suggestions and support and tried to trust the process. Now that I’ve been in EMDR treatment for several years, I can honestly say it works. I call it magic because when I’m doing the bilateral eye movements, it almost feels like a scam—this can’t possibly work for me! It’s too simple a concept to erase years of debilitating memories. Although I’m not completely cured, I’m in a much better place than when I began. Certain triggers no longer have the powerful hold they once did. Let’s take a deeper look into how this “magic” actually happens.

What is EMDR?

Many years ago, psychologist Francine Shapiro discovered that side-to-side eye movements helped reduce her own negative emotional reaction to disturbing thoughts from her past. In essence, this bilateral movement reduced the anxiety tied to those distressing memories. People who suffer from trauma often experience intrusive thoughts—thoughts that are very bothersome and emotionally painful. The body can undergo what clinicians call a “visceral” reaction: trauma can manifest as gut issues, chronic aches and pains, heart palpitations, or nausea. The slightest memory can trigger this kind of response. Because the body and mind endure such sensitive experiences, even smells and sounds can produce a visceral reaction.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR is an eight-phase treatment for trauma designed to target intrusive memories and current triggers. In summary, the first three phases involve the therapist gathering a thorough history to assess the person’s trauma and devising a plan that includes coping skills and life goals. Phase four introduces bilateral stimulation—eye movements or tapping—while the person recalls traumatic memories. Ideally, this process reduces the overall visceral reaction described above. The therapist then checks in with the person to rate their level of anxiety.

The final phases include helping the person adopt a more positive belief to replace the traumatic one, encouraging a body scan for uncomfortable sensations, and guiding a relaxation exercise to return to a calmer state. At the start of the next EMDR session, the therapist checks in about previous processing and identifies new areas to explore. Note: this treatment doesn’t work overnight; it takes hard work and dedication to persevere through trauma. If done effectively, the body and mind are no longer controlled by trauma—providing a liberating opportunity for those who choose it.

The next time you feel emotionally and physically stuck because of your past, EMDR could be the treatment that frees you from constant pain and suffering.

If this resonates with you, please know you are not alone. At Like a Phoenix, our team is dedicated to providing compassion and support. We use evidence-based clinical approaches to help you overcome the challenges you face.

Maria Peters, LMHC