02/10/2026
You've probably seen EMDR all over TikTok and Instagram. But what is it actually? And more importantly, what it ISN'T.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has been around for 30+ years and is one of the most researched trauma therapies out there. But there's a lot of confusion about how it works.
What EMDR IS:
A trauma processing therapy that helps your nervous system move stuck memories out of fight-or-flight mode. It uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, sounds) to help your brain naturally process what happened. It's evidence-based, fast-acting, and honors your body's wisdom.
What EMDR ISN'T:
It's not hypnosis. You're not asleep or in a trance. You're fully aware and in control the whole time.
It's not magic. It takes skill, training, and a solid therapeutic relationship.
It's not just eye movements. The eye movements are just the tool, the real work is your brain's natural healing capacity.
It's not for everyone at every stage. You need to be stabilized first, especially if you're carrying big trauma.
Here's what I love about EMDR: it doesn't require you to relive your trauma in detail. You don't have to tell me every horrible thing that happened. Your nervous system knows what to do, EMDR just helps it get unstuck.
For Indigenous clients especially, EMDR pairs beautifully with our cultural teachings about honouring the body, listening to our nervous system, and trusting our own healing wisdom.
If you've been thinking about trauma therapy but dreading having to talk about everything... EMDR might be what you've been looking for.
Ready to explore it? Book your free 15-minute consultation. Let's talk about what healing could look like for you.
