What is EMDR Therapy? A Simple Explanation.
There is a lot of hype and a lot of criticism about EMDR. When I mention EMDR, people sometimes ask, “Is that the light therapy thing?” I usually chuckle and say that yes, that’s one way of putting it — but it is so much more than simply following a light with your eyes.
There are many elements that are integrated into EMDR when it is practiced well. So what exactly is being integrated?
Psychodynamic ideas like free association, catharsis, abreaction, symbolism, and family-of-origin material.
Behavioral concepts such as learning chains, conditioned responses, and associative patterns.
Cognitive work involving shifts in beliefs and underlying cognitive structures.
Gestalt elements focused on emotional release and clearing what some therapists describe as “emotional static.”
Somatic perspectives that recognize how physical sensations in the body can be linked to unresolved experiences.
And relational or empowerment-focused approaches that emphasize the importance of the client-therapist relationship.
You might be thinking, “Well that’s all great Amber, but what does that actually mean?” And that’s a fair question.
After I was trained in EMDR, I spent quite a bit of time trying to conceptualize my own understanding of the approach. For me, that understanding matters because it shapes how EMDR is actually applied when I’m sitting with someone in session and using it as a tool in my practice.
When I weave these components together, I think of EMDR as creating a space where someone can safely express and release emotions that may have been pushed down for a long time. At the same time, they remain connected to how those experiences live in both their mind and body. Through connection with the therapist, the nervous system can stay anchored in the present moment while moving through waves of emotion that may have previously felt overwhelming.
Through this process, people often experience shifts in beliefs about themselves, changes in physical sensations, and a gradual clearing of that “emotional static.” Many clients move toward a greater sense of relief, understanding, and empowerment.
At this point you might be thinking, “The title said a simple explanation. You call that simple?”
And once again, that’s a great point.
So let’s simplify it.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a type of trauma therapy that helps the brain reprocess difficult experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming in the present.
When something traumatic or highly stressful happens, the brain sometimes stores that experience in a way that keeps the emotions, beliefs, and body sensations “stuck.” That’s why people can continue to feel intense reactions long after the event has passed.
EMDR helps the brain revisit those experiences in a safe, structured way while staying grounded in the present moment.
During EMDR, a person briefly brings a memory, feeling, or belief to mind while following a form of bilateral stimulation—often eye movements, tapping, or another rhythmic back-and-forth cue. This process supports the brain in doing what it wasn’t able to fully do at the time of the experience: organize, process, and integrate the memory.
Over time, many people notice the memory begins to feel different. The event may still be remembered, but it no longer carries the same emotional charge. The beliefs connected to it often shift as well—from things like “I’m not safe” or “something is wrong with me” toward more adaptive beliefs such as “I survived” or “I can handle this.”
In other words, EMDR doesn’t erase memories. It helps the nervous system digest them so they stop interrupting life in the present.
What Issues Can EMDR Therapy Help With?
EMDR therapy is most commonly used to help individuals process experiences connected to trauma or distressing life events. It may be helpful for people experiencing:
• traumatic memories
• symptoms related to PTSD
• persistent emotional triggers
• anxiety connected to past experiences
• negative beliefs about themselves
• distressing memories that continue to affect daily life
Because EMDR works with how memories are stored and processed, it can be useful in many situations where past experiences continue to influence the present.
Can EMDR Therapy Be Done Through Telehealth?
Yes. Many aspects of EMDR therapy can be adapted effectively for online sessions. Therapists often use different forms of bilateral stimulation that work well in a virtual setting while still maintaining the structure and safety needed for the process.
For clients who prefer the comfort and privacy of their own space, telehealth EMDR can make trauma-focused therapy more accessible.
If you’d like to learn more about how this approach is used in therapy, you can explore our EMDR Therapy in South Dakota page to see how EMDR is incorporated into trauma-informed counseling at Kindroots Therapy.
When to Consider EMDR Therapy
People often consider EMDR when they feel that past experiences continue to affect their emotions, relationships, or sense of safety in the present.
Signs that trauma-focused therapy might be helpful include:
• feeling easily triggered by reminders of past events
• intense emotional reactions that feel difficult to regulate
• persistent negative beliefs about oneself
• feeling stuck in patterns that seem connected to earlier experiences
A consultation with a therapist trained in trauma-informed approaches can help determine whether EMDR may be a good fit.
Final Thoughts
EMDR is not simply “the light therapy thing.” It is a structured therapeutic approach that integrates multiple perspectives to help the brain process experiences that may have become stuck in the nervous system.
For many people, it offers a path toward feeling less overwhelmed by the past and more grounded in the present.
If you’re curious about how EMDR therapy might support your own healing process, it can be helpful to also understand how trauma affects the nervous system and the body’s stress responses. You can learn more about that in our post on how trauma affects the nervous system, or explore how therapy can be accessed from anywhere in the state through our telehealth therapy in South Dakota services. Kindroots Therapy offers trauma-informed counseling for adults and teens across South Dakota through secure online sessions.
