EMDR Therapy: Reprocessing Trauma, Reclaiming Your Story
Siri Austill, LCSW
What Makes EMDR Different?
Traumatic memories don’t always store neatly in the brain. Instead, they can get stuck—held in raw, emotional form, separate from the logic that tells us "I’m safe now." This is why trauma responses can feel automatic and out of our control—our nervous system reacts before we have time to think.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is designed to help unstick these memories, so they can be fully processed and integrated. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which helps us understand trauma, EMDR works on a deeper level—helping the body and nervous system release it.
How It Works
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) to activate both sides of the brain, allowing for natural memory processing. While eye movements are the most well-known form, I often guide clients through tapping techniques (such as the Butterfly Hug) since my work is online.
You don’t need to talk through every detail of your trauma for EMDR to be effective. We can work with feelings, sensations, dreams, and body memories, even if the story isn’t fully clear.
EMDR is Not Just for “Big T” Trauma
People often think EMDR is only for PTSD, but it can be effective for anything that makes you feel stuck—when your emotional response feels bigger than the situation at hand. Some of the most common reasons people seek EMDR with me include:
-
Anxiety that runs deeper than situational stress—especially if it feels like it’s driving your behavior.
-
ADHD-related trauma—navigating a neurotypical world, unlearning shame from school or family, and reclaiming self-trust.
-
Unlearning internalized narratives—the self-talk that was handed to you by caregivers, teachers, or society before you were old enough to challenge it.
-
Daily stressors that build up over time—using EMDR as a “release valve” to expand your emotional tolerance.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’ve tried therapy before but still feel stuck in certain patterns, EMDR might be a good next step.
Here’s what helps make EMDR most effective:
✔️ You have some awareness of your triggers and reactions (even if they don’t fully make sense yet).
✔️ You can hold dual awareness—meaning you can sit in a difficult memory while also staying aware that you’re safe in the present moment.
✔️ You feel ready to do this work (or, if not, we can explore the fears and blocking beliefs first).
✔️ You’ve built basic coping skills to ground yourself when needed.
✔️ You can shift between trauma states and calm states with strategies like Containment or Safe Space.
✔️ You have enough stability in your daily life to tolerate temporary discomfort—because unlearning means opening the door to trauma before it can be processed and put away.
If any of these feel shaky, that’s okay. We can work together to build readiness before we start EMDR.
What to Expect
The Phases of EMDR Therapy
1
We start with your goals
Getting clear on what you want to shift and how EMDR can help.
2
We strengthen your support systems
Reinforcing your coping skills and internal resources.
3
We map out your trauma story
Identifying key memories that might hold emotional weight.
4
We begin reprocessing
Activating memory networks while keeping you connected to your body and the present moment.
5
We reinforce new beliefs
Letting go of old narratives and installing new, empowering ones.
6
We prepare you for future situations
Ensuring you have the tools to show up differently.
You are in control every step of the way. We can take small, careful steps or move quickly in deep dives—there is no “right” way, only your way.
EMDR Intensives: A Focused Approach
For some, longer, concentrated EMDR sessions work better than weekly therapy.
EMDR intensives are useful if:
You want to clear trauma triggers in a few extended sessions instead of over months.
You struggle to transition back into daily life after short therapy sessions.
You’re working through a major event and want to process it deeply without dragging it out over time.
