What EMDR Really Feels Like
What Is EMDR Therapy? A Trauma-Informed Explainer for Clients & Providers
EMDR is one of those therapies many people have heard of—but few truly understand until they experience it.
If you're a client curious about what EMDR feels like, or a therapist or psychiatrist referring clients, this guide offers a clear, grounded explanation.
At Lisa Chen & Associates Therapy, we offer EMDR that is tailored, paced, and trauma-informed. Whether you're navigating complex trauma or unresolved emotional pain, EMDR can help your nervous system process what’s been stuck—without needing to relive it.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation—like eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—while recalling a distressing memory.
This process helps the brain reprocess stored trauma, reduce emotional intensity, and rewire beliefs and responses.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with the nervous system. It helps you feel the memory without being overwhelmed by it.
Why It Works:
EMDR activates both brain hemispheres, allowing the memory to “unfreeze” and integrate more adaptively. According to the APA, World Health Organization, and VA, EMDR is one of the most effective trauma therapies available.
What Happens During an EMDR Session?
1. Preparation: Safety and Stabilization
Before we touch any trauma, we help your nervous system feel safe and steady. This phase often includes:
Understanding your history and current symptoms
Teaching tools for self-regulation and grounding
Identifying calming resources like “safe place” imagery
Explaining the EMDR process clearly and collaboratively
“Many clients come in ready to jump into trauma work, but lasting healing happens when we honor your body’s pace. That can take time—and it’s worth it.”
Some clients spend several sessions here, especially if they’ve experienced complex trauma or chronic anxiety.
2. Identifying the Right Targets
Once we’ve built a foundation of safety, we work together to identify memories or themes that feel emotionally charged. These may include:
Childhood trauma or emotional neglect
Medical or relational trauma
Seemingly minor events that trigger outsized reactions
We also explore the negative beliefs associated with those memories—like “I’m not safe,” “It was my fault,” or “I’m not good enough.”
3. Desensitization and Reprocessing
This is where the memory work begins. You’ll be guided to:
Gently bring a memory to mind
Notice thoughts, emotions, or body sensations
Follow the bilateral stimulation rhythm
You’re not reliving trauma. You remain grounded and in control. The memory moves through your system without getting stuck again.
Clients often report:
The memory feels less vivid or intense
New perspectives or insights emerge
Body tension releases or shifts
4. Installation and Closure
Once the distress level drops, we help install a new, adaptive belief—such as “I’m safe now” or “I did the best I could.”
We end with grounding, body scans, and nervous system regulation, so you leave the session feeling supported and calm.
EMDR Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
At Lisa Chen & Associates, we personalize EMDR to each client’s needs. This includes:
Slowing or pausing as needed
Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support protective parts
Incorporating somatic and relational work for complex trauma
“EMDR doesn’t erase your history. It helps your body realize that the danger is over. You can carry the memory without carrying the pain.”
Is EMDR Right for You?’
If you’ve done talk therapy but still feel stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed—you’re not broken. Your nervous system may be holding trauma that EMDR can help release.
📞 Book a free consultation to explore whether EMDR is a fit for you.
For Providers: Refer Clients with Confidence
We work with referring therapists, psychiatrists, and medical providers across California. Our approach is collaborative, transparent, and designed to complement your ongoing care.
We offer in-person EMDR in Hermosa Beach and virtual EMDR across California.
📩 Visit our website or contact us to refer a client.
Quick Summary: What to Expect from EMDR Therapy at Lisa Chen & Associates
If you’ve heard of EMDR but don’t quite understand what it feels like in session, this trauma-informed guide breaks it down clearly—for both clients and referring providers. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, neuroscience-backed therapy that helps people heal from trauma and unresolved emotional pain. At Lisa Chen & Associates, we specialize in tailored, client-centered EMDR for high-functioning professionals and trauma survivors. This article explains how EMDR works, what you’ll experience in the room, and why it’s so effective.
Related service: EMDR Therapy in Hermosa Beach
External resource: EMDR Overview – EMDRIA
FAQs
What is EMDR and how does it work?
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps process trauma by using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones) to reduce emotional intensity and rewire distressing memories.
How many sessions of EMDR will I need?
Every client is different. Some people do focused work in a few sessions, while others need longer-term support—especially with complex trauma. We tailor EMDR to your pace.
Is EMDR safe for everyone?
EMDR is generally safe when delivered by a trauma-informed clinician. At Lisa Chen & Associates, we assess each client’s readiness and adjust the process to support safety and healing.
