Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
(EMDR)
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
Overview of EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based approach we use at Sana that helps the brain and body heal from the effects of complex trauma. This type of trauma develops from ongoing or repeated experiences of neglect, abuse, or instability. EMDR provides a structured and compassionate way to reprocess painful memories and restore a sense of internal safety.
Complex trauma often leaves people feeling hypervigilant, disconnected, or caught in patterns that don’t make sense. We chose EMDR as a modality because EMDR helps connect the emotional, cognitive, and physical pieces of those experiences so that the nervous system can finally complete the healing process that was interrupted. The goal isn’t to forget what happened, but to release the emotional charge and reclaim the sense of calm and control that trauma took away.
The Goal of EMDR
The aim of EMDR is not to erase painful memories, but to help clients experience them without becoming overwhelmed. Through this process, the nervous system learns that the danger has passed, allowing for greater emotional regulation, self-trust, and peace. EMDR offers a pathway toward integration and helps individuals move from merely surviving to truly living.
What EMDR Can Help With
EMDR is most commonly used for complex trauma and PTSD, but it can also support healing in a wide range of issues, including:
Childhood neglect or abuse
Sexual assault or violence
Relationship or attachment trauma
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and shame
Grief and loss
Chronic pain or illness
Phobias and performance anxiety
Identity and self-esteem struggles
EMDR institute, Inc. “What is EMDR?” EMDR.com, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed June 19, 2023
“Not only does healing occur much more rapidly than in traditional therapy, but as a result of EMDR’s clearing of emotional and physical blockages, many people also experience a sense of joy, openness, and deep connection with others. EMDR is a quantum leap in the human ability to heal trauma and maladaptive beliefs”
— Laurel Parnell, Ph.D, renowed EMDR expert
Experience EMDR
All Sana clinicians are either trained or in the process of becoming trained in EMDR. Below is what you can generally expect in EMDR sessions. Please note that the number of sessions for each phase of EMDR can vary depending on the client.
Sessions 1–2: Establishing Safety and Understanding Your Story
At Sana, the first sessions focus on building safety. You’ll be invited to share what brings you to therapy, your history, and what you hope to change. Your therapist will explain how EMDR works, answer questions, and begin identifying the patterns and triggers that are most distressing to you. Together, you’ll develop grounding and regulation tools to help you feel steady both in and outside of sessions.
Sessions 3–4 (or more): Strengthening Internal Resources
Before any trauma reprocessing begins, your therapist will spend time helping you build inner stability. This includes learning self-soothing strategies, guided visualizations, and body-based grounding techniques to create a sense of safety. You will also begin identifying positive experiences or calming imagery to draw on during reprocessing. This preparation phase ensures that your nervous system is ready and supported for deeper healing work.
When Ready: Beginning Reprocessing
When a strong foundation of safety has been established, reprocessing begins. You will focus briefly on specific memories or sensations while following bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tones, or gentle tapping). This process allows the brain to reprocess the memory and integrate it in a more adaptive way. Over time, the emotional intensity of the memories decreases, and clients often report feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to themselves.