Sometimes you can understand logically that something is over, that you’re safe now, or that what happened wasn’t your fault—and still feel as though your mind and body haven’t gotten the message.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that can help people process distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to affect the way they think, feel, and respond in the present. At Wild Roots Counseling Services, EMDR is offered as part of an individualized, trauma-informed approach to therapy.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured form of therapy designed to help the brain process experiences that may feel “stuck.” Rather than focusing only on talking through an experience, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or other forms of alternating left-right stimulation—while working with memories, emotions, thoughts, and body sensations connected to an experience.
The goal isn’t to erase the memory or make you forget what happened. Instead, EMDR can help reduce the intensity attached to distressing experiences and support more adaptive ways of understanding yourself and what you’ve been through.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is often associated with PTSD and trauma, but it may also be helpful when past experiences continue to influence how you feel or respond in the present. Depending on your individual needs and treatment goals, EMDR may be incorporated into therapy for concerns such as:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Childhood trauma and difficult early experiences
- Birth and reproductive trauma
- Medical trauma
- Grief and distressing losses
- Anxiety and fear related to past experiences
- Negative beliefs about yourself
- Shame and guilt
- Difficult or distressing relationship experiences
- Experiences that continue to feel upsetting even when you know they’re in the past
Do I Have to Talk About Everything That Happened?
No. One reason some people are drawn to EMDR is that it does not necessarily require you to describe every detail of a distressing experience out loud. You and your therapist will talk about what is needed to guide treatment, but you remain in control of what you choose to share.
EMDR also isn’t something we simply begin the moment you walk into therapy. We’ll spend time understanding what you’re experiencing, discussing your goals, and making sure you have tools and support in place before beginning trauma processing. Your therapist will work with you to determine whether EMDR is appropriate and when you feel ready to begin.
What Does an EMDR Session Look Like?
EMDR is more than simply following something back and forth with your eyes. It is a structured therapy that includes preparation, identifying experiences and beliefs you want to work on, processing those experiences using bilateral stimulation, and helping your brain integrate new information.
During the processing portion of EMDR, your therapist will guide you through brief sets of bilateral stimulation while you notice what comes up—such as thoughts, emotions, memories, images, or body sensations. There isn’t a “right” way to experience EMDR, and you don’t have to force yourself to think or feel anything in particular.
Throughout the process, you remain aware of where you are and can pause at any time. Your therapist will check in with you and help you move through the process at a pace that feels manageable.
EMDR at Wild Roots Counseling Services
At Wild Roots, EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. We look at the whole person—not just a diagnosis or a traumatic experience—and determine together how EMDR may fit into your overall therapy.
EMDR may be used on its own or integrated with other therapeutic approaches depending on your needs and goals. Our priority is creating a therapeutic relationship where you feel supported, informed, and involved in decisions about your care.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
You don’t need to know whether EMDR is the right treatment for you before reaching out. If past experiences continue to affect how you feel, think, respond, or relate to others, we can talk about what you’re experiencing and whether EMDR may be a helpful part of your treatment.
EMDR isn’t necessarily the right approach for every person or every concern. Your therapist will work with you to determine whether it fits your needs, goals, and readiness and discuss other treatment options when appropriate.
Ready to Get Started?
Wild Roots Counseling Services provides EMDR therapy in Bismarck, North Dakota, with telehealth options available for clients located throughout North Dakota.
Ready when you are. Contact Wild Roots Counseling Services