So, what exactly is EMDR?
You may have heard of EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Therapy from somebody you know. It might sound complicated, strange, or even scary. Others have asked, "Is this hypnotism?" To which my answer is... no. It's this really cool and specialized form of therapy. It was first design by Francine Shapiro back in 1987 to help military veterans process the traumatic events they experienced on the battlefield. Shapiro noticed that when veterans were asked to recall a traumatic memory (or incident) while simultaneously looking from right to left (Bilateral Stimulation), veterans slowly reported a decrease in emotional intensity when recalling the same traumatic memory again! EMDR has evolved a lot since these humble beginnings. Through decades of research, it has expanded from exclusively treating veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to a structured therapeutic approach helping individuals who have experienced or struggle with:
Trauma
Depression
Anxieties, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
Addictions
Personality disorders
What to Expect During EMDR Sessions
EMDR therapy typically involves multiple sessions, as it's a gradual process. Like tending to a garden, with time and care, you may begin to experience and witness positive changes in your life. You'll collaborate with your therapist, who will guide you through the process, sharing only what you're comfortable with.
EMDR isn't a one-time fix; it takes time. But as you progress, you may begin to feel lighter, more confident, and happier. Those once-overwhelming memories may begin to lose their power. EMDR isn’t about erasing the past—it’s not hypnosis or a magic fix. It’s a therapeutic tool that helps you revisit old chapters with safety and clarity, so the pain no longer holds the pen.
It’s about regaining the power to reshape your narrative and build the inner resilience to imagine a future that feels more hopeful, more manageable, and uniquely yours—your Lucent Path.