Understanding EMDR: A Powerful Tool for Healing Trauma
Trauma can leave a lasting mark on both the mind and body. Memories of painful experiences may replay over and over, emotions can feel overwhelming, and daily life can become a struggle. Fortunately, there are effective, evidence-based therapies designed to help the brain process trauma safely—and EMDR is one of the most powerful tools available.
Trauma can leave a lasting mark on both the mind and body. Memories of painful experiences may replay over and over, emotions can feel overwhelming, and daily life can become a struggle. Fortunately, there are effective, evidence-based therapies designed to help the brain process trauma safely—and EMDR is one of the most powerful tools available.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a type of therapy that helps the brain process and integrate traumatic memories that have become “stuck.” Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works with the mind-body connection to reframe distressing memories so they no longer have the same emotional intensity.
How Does EMDR Work?
During an EMDR session, a therapist guides a client through recalling a troubling memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation—usually eye movements, taps, or sounds alternating between left and right. This process helps the brain process the memory in a way that reduces its emotional charge.
Over time, EMDR can:
Reduce the intensity of painful memories
Decrease anxiety, fear, or flashbacks
Improve emotional regulation
Increase feelings of safety and empowerment
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is widely recognized as an effective treatment for:
PTSD and C-PTSD
Anxiety and panic disorders
Phobias
Trauma from accidents, abuse, or loss
Emotional challenges that feel “stuck”
While EMDR is especially helpful for trauma, it can also support personal growth, resilience, and overcoming negative beliefs about oneself.
What to Expect in a Session
A typical EMDR session begins with:
Assessment and preparation: You and your therapist identify memories or issues to target and develop strategies for staying safe and grounded.
Processing: Through guided bilateral stimulation, the therapist helps your brain reprocess the memory. Emotions may surface, but the therapist supports you throughout.
Integration: New insights and perspectives emerge, helping the memory lose its grip and allowing you to move forward with less distress.
EMDR is not about reliving trauma; it’s about reprocessing it safely so your brain can integrate the experience without being overwhelmed.
Why EMDR is Effective
Trauma often leaves memories “unprocessed” in the brain. EMDR helps the mind process these memories in a natural, adaptive way—similar to how the brain processes experiences during REM sleep. Many clients report feeling lighter, calmer, and more able to engage in life fully after a series of sessions.
Final Thoughts
If trauma or distressing memories are affecting your daily life, EMDR may offer a path toward relief and healing. It’s a collaborative, evidence-based approach that can empower you to reclaim your life from the grip of past experiences.
At Summit Family Therapy, I use EMDR as part of trauma-informed care, helping clients safely process memories, reduce emotional distress, and build resilience. If you’re ready to explore EMDR for yourself, schedule a session with myself (or one of our other EMDR trained therapists) and take the first step toward healing.
PTSD vs. C-PTSD: Understanding the Differences
When people talk about trauma, the term “PTSD” often comes up. But in recent years, another diagnosis has gained recognition: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). While both involve the lasting impact of trauma, they are not the same. Understanding the differences can help individuals find the right kind of support and healing.
When people talk about trauma, the term “PTSD” often comes up. But in recent years, another diagnosis has gained recognition: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). While both involve the lasting impact of trauma, they are not the same. Understanding the differences can help individuals find the right kind of support and healing.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) typically develops after experiencing or witnessing a single traumatic event—or a few distinct traumatic events. These events often involve life-threatening situations, such as:
Military combat
Natural disasters
Serious accidents
Assault or violent crime
Symptoms of PTSD often include:
Flashbacks or intrusive memories
Nightmares
Hypervigilance or being “on edge”
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Emotional numbing or detachment
PTSD is the mind and body’s way of staying on alert after something overwhelming and unsafe has happened.
What is C-PTSD?
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) develops from ongoing or repeated trauma over time, especially in situations where a person feels trapped and powerless. This might include:
Chronic childhood abuse or neglect
Domestic violence
Long-term captivity, trafficking, or oppression
Repeated emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
In addition to the core PTSD symptoms, people with C-PTSD often experience:
Deep shame or guilt
Difficulty trusting others
A negative self-image (“I’m worthless,” “I’m broken”)
Emotional regulation struggles (intense anger, sadness, or numbness)
Persistent feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
Challenges with relationships and attachment
While PTSD may feel like the nervous system is “stuck in the past,” C-PTSD often feels like trauma has woven itself into a person’s sense of identity and daily life.
Why the Distinction Matters
Recognizing the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD is important for healing. Traditional PTSD treatments may not fully address the relational wounds, shame, and chronic stress patterns seen in C-PTSD. Complex trauma often requires a slower, gentler, and relationship-focused approach to restore safety and self-worth.
Pathways to Healing
The good news is that both PTSD and C-PTSD are treatable. Therapy can help you reconnect with your body, process memories safely, and begin to rewrite the story trauma has left behind. Helpful approaches may include:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Somatic and body-based therapies
Trauma-informed cognitive or narrative therapy
Supportive group therapy or community connection
Final Thoughts
Whether you identify with PTSD or C-PTSD, you are not alone—and what happened to you does not define your worth. Healing may look different for each person, but with the right support, it is possible to find peace, strength, and connection again.
At Summit Family Therapy, I specialize in working with trauma survivors, helping them gently rebuild safety, self-trust, and resilience. If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I invite you to schedule a session with me, Dr. Courtney Stivers.