When clients come to me overwhelmed by unresolved memories or struggling with issues they can’t quite put into words, I often introduce them to EMDR therapy. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is not just a technique – it’s a journey toward healing and self-understanding.
EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps people process past experiences and memories that continue to affect their mental and emotional well-being. What makes it unique is the use of bilateral stimulation, often in the form of side-to-side eye movements, combined with structured talk therapy. This combination allows the brain to access its natural healing mechanisms, fostering a profound sense of resolution.
How Does It Work?
When I begin working with a client, we do not jump straight into reprocessing experiences. First, we explore the symptoms they are experiencing and what may have shaped those struggles. This exploration takes time, weeks or months. This is a collaborative phase where we work together to understand why some challenges feel so persistent.
Many clients express relief when they realize their symptoms – whether it’s anxiety, emotional numbness, or intrusive thoughts are rooted in unresolved trauma. Through EMDR, I help them reprocess these experiences in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and creates space for healing.
While processing with EMDR, we use a technique called bilateral stimulation. It involves alternating stimulation of the left and right sides of the brain through techniques like eye movements, tactile devices, or audio. This process helps in stabilising and also mimics what occurs during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, helping to “desensitize” triggering memories and engage the brain’s natural healing abilities.
Through grounding techniques and BLS, we also pay attention to the experience of your entire body. This makes EMDR a holistic approach that addresses past events and the triggers shaped by them in your present. By focussing on your felt experiences, we also work on reshaping our system for future situations.
Is It All About Eye Movements?
One common misconception about EMDR is that it’s just about moving your eyes side to side. While eye movements are one way to engage both sides of the brain, there are other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory cues, that can be effective. The key is working with your therapist to find the method that feels most comfortable and natural for each client.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
Many people think EMDR is only for those with severe trauma, but that’s not the case. While it’s an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, I’ve seen its benefits extend to clients dealing with chronic stress, relationship difficulties, and even unresolved grief. The beauty of EMDR is its adaptability: it meets you where you are and works with what you need.
We need to understand that EMDR is a tool and a modality. Once the client feels comfortable with the approach, it can be utilized to address different concerns. Some of them are;
PTSD, CPTSD, Addiction, Anxiety & Depression, Chronic pain, Phobia, Eating disorders, Psychotic symptoms, Self-esteem issues, Dissociation, Obsessive-compulsive Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorders.
Does It Erase Memories?
One of the questions I hear most often is whether EMDR erases memories. The answer is no. EMDR doesn’t take away the memory but helps you process it in a way that no longer feels overwhelming. Imagine being able to think about a difficult experience without the flood of emotions or physical reactions it once triggered. That’s the transformation EMDR aims to achieve.
Is EMDR Safe? Will I be forced to go back to my trauma if I don’t feel ready?
In therapy, if you are forced to go back to the experience when you are not ready, it may end up retraumatizing you. Working with clients requires us to first ensure that the client feels safe to explore painful memories. We are trained in techniques that ensure that the client feels grounded and equipped to stabilise themselves when overwhelmed. It’s important to work with a trained EMDR therapist who understands the process and can guide you through it at your own pace. While the sessions can sometimes feel intense, I ensure my clients feel supported every step of the way. It’s about creating a safe space where healing can unfold naturally.
Integrating EMDR with Other Therapies
In my practice, EMDR is rarely a standalone approach. I often combine it with counseling or other therapeutic modalities to address the full spectrum of a client’s needs. Not every session involves reprocessing; sometimes, the focus is on building coping skills or processing emotions through talk therapy. The goal is always to create a tailored approach that serves the individual.
As a practitioner & someone who has experienced EMDR as a client, I’ve witnessed the profound changes EMDR can bring. Clients often describe feeling lighter, more grounded, and less weighed down by their past. It’s not an overnight fix, but for those willing to embark on the journey, it can be truly transformative.
If you are curious about EMDR or feel stuck in your healing process, let’s have a conversation. Together, we can explore whether this approach could be the path toward the peace and clarity you’re seeking.
Ms. Sayli Anavkar
EMDR Therapist and Counselling Psychologist
With 10 years of experience as an EMDR practitioner & psychologist, Sayli has worked with a diverse range of client concerns and adopts a holistic trauma informed approach, viewing therapy not just as addressing specific issues but also continuously building insights through the process of counselling. Sayli is eager to connect with emerging therapists, helping them develop practical skills to optimise their therapy work.
