When the Past Still Feels Present - How EMDR Therapy May Help

What Is EMDR Therapy?

You may have heard of EMDR and wondered what it actually involves. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured, evidence-based psychological therapy that is often used to support people who have experienced trauma, distressing life events, or ongoing anxiety related to past experiences.

EMDR is recognised internationally and is one of several therapies that psychologists may use as part of trauma-focused treatment.

How Does EMDR Work?

When something overwhelming or frightening happens, the brain does not always process the memory in the usual way. Instead of being stored as something in the past, parts of the experience can feel as though they are still happening in the present. This may show up as intrusive memories, strong emotional reactions, physical sensations, or avoidance of reminders.

EMDR aims to help the brain process these memories in a more adaptive way.

During EMDR sessions, a psychologist guides you to briefly focus on aspects of a distressing memory while also engaging in bilateral stimulation. This usually involves following the therapist’s fingers with your eyes, but may also include tapping or sounds that move from left to right. This process is done gradually, with attention to your safety and emotional readiness.

Over time, many people notice that memories feel less emotionally intense and more like something that happened in the past rather than something that is still happening now.

What Can EMDR Be Used For?

EMDR was originally developed for post-traumatic stress and is now used more broadly by trained clinicians. Psychologists may incorporate EMDR when working with:

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress

• Childhood adversity

• Anxiety linked to specific past experiences

• Phobias

• Grief and loss

• Distressing memories that continue to affect daily life

Every person is different, and EMDR is not the only approach that can be helpful. A psychologist will consider your history, current symptoms, preferences, and goals before recommending any particular therapy.

What Happens in an EMDR Session?

EMDR is not just about eye movements. It is an eight-phase therapy, which includes:

1. Assessment and planning – understanding your history, current concerns, and whether EMDR is appropriate

2. Preparation – learning coping and grounding strategies to help you manage strong emotions

3. Target identification – identifying specific memories or situations to work on

4. Processing – using bilateral stimulation while focusing on parts of the memory

5. Integration – strengthening more helpful beliefs and reducing emotional distress

Sessions are paced carefully. You remain in control and can pause at any time. A key part of EMDR is ensuring you have skills to feel grounded and safe both during and between sessions.

Is EMDR Right for Everyone?

EMDR can be helpful for many people, but it is not suitable for everyone in every situation. Some people may benefit from other therapies first, particularly if they are currently experiencing high levels of instability, ongoing crisis, or difficulty managing intense emotions.

A qualified psychologist will work with you to decide on the most appropriate approach. You are always welcome to ask questions about how a therapy works and what alternatives are available.

Finding Support

If distressing memories or past experiences are affecting your sleep, relationships, mood, or daily life, speaking with a registered psychologist can be a helpful first step. Together, you can explore different therapy options — which may include EMDR — and develop a plan tailored to your needs.

Seeking support is not about “reliving everything at once.” Therapy moves at a pace that feels manageable and respectful of your wellbeing.

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised psychological assessment or treatment.