While talking therapy can be powerful, in many cases, it can only take you so far. This is where EMDR therapy comes in. Public figures like Sandra Bullock, Evan Rachel Wood, and Jameela Jamil have openly spoken about how EMDR has helped them heal from past trauma. Originally developed as a treatment for PTSD, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is now recognized as an effective therapy for a range of mental health concerns, including depression and panic disorder.

With the help of psychotherapist, EMDR therapist, and co-founder of Kove, Jordan Vyas-Lee, we’re exploring the benefits of this transformative therapy.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a powerful therapy method designed to relieve distress linked to traumatic memories. Historically, it has been used with great success to treat PTSD, but research now shows it can also help address depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and anxiety.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess painful memories, allowing individuals to integrate them without emotional distress. This can lead to a significant reduction in feelings of fear, shame, and loss of control—common emotions associated with trauma.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR activates the nervous system at a deep emotional level. By the second session, you will likely begin using the EMDR process, which involves bilateral stimulation—a rhythmic left-to-right visual, auditory, or tactile stimulus. Research has shown that this technique helps the brain reprocess “stuck” memories, allowing them to be stored in a way that no longer triggers distress.

Rhythmic activities, such as tapping or guided eye movements, have a calming effect, creating space for processing painful memories without an overwhelming emotional response.

What to Expect in Your First EMDR Session

Your first EMDR session will feel familiar if you’ve tried other talk therapies. You’ll discuss your concerns with the therapist, exploring how past events or relationships may be linked to your current difficulties.

You’ll also talk about your goals—how you want your life to change and any new coping skills you’d like to develop. Before starting the reprocessing phase, your therapist will explain the theory behind EMDR, ensuring you feel comfortable with the approach.

When Do You See the Benefits?

Many people start noticing changes after just a few EMDR sessions. Some report feeling significantly different about a single traumatic memory after only one session. For acute issues, a short course of four to six sessions can be effective. For deeper, long-standing trauma, treatment often lasts between 8-12 sessions, though some individuals benefit from ongoing therapy spread over a year or more.

For those who have struggled with emotional difficulties since early life, EMDR offers a gradual yet powerful path to healing—helping individuals transform the way they relate to their past and move forward with greater resilience.

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