What Does EMDR Feel Like? A Therapist’s Perspective
If you’ve been curious about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) but feel unsure about what actually happens during a session — you’re not alone. Most new clients ask me: “What will it feel like?” or “Is it like hypnosis?”
The truth is, EMDR is structured, grounded, and collaborative — and while it can feel intense at times, it’s not mysterious or out of your control.
Here’s what you can expect.
You Stay Present — Even as You Revisit the Past
Unlike some talk therapies, EMDR helps you process unresolved trauma by using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, sounds, or taps) while focusing on a specific memory or theme.
You don’t lose control. You don’t relive the memory in a chaotic way. Instead, your brain does what it naturally wants to do — make sense of things, let go, and find resolution.
It’s a Dialogue — Not Just Eye Movements
I’ll guide you through each step, checking in as we go. You’ll always know what’s coming next. Many clients tell me, “I didn’t realize how in control I would feel,” or “It’s more structured than I expected.”
Clients Often Say Things Like:
“It’s like my brain just… let go.”
“That memory doesn’t feel charged anymore.”
“I still remember it, but it doesn’t hurt the same way.”
EMDR doesn’t erase memories — it removes the emotional intensity, the stuck-ness, the constant triggering. For many, that’s what healing starts to feel like: spacious, less reactive, more grounded.
Your Nervous System Will Guide the Pace
Some sessions feel quiet and steady. Others bring emotion to the surface. There’s no right way to respond. Your nervous system knows what it’s ready to work with — and we respect that.
This is not about pushing through. It’s about giving your system the chance to finally resolve what’s been stuck for far too long.
You Don’t Have to Be “Ready” for Everything
People often worry they need to have all their trauma memories lined up, or that they’ll be expected to talk about things they’ve never spoken aloud.
Not true.
We start where it makes sense for you — and I’ll guide you through a clear preparation phase first. You’ll learn how to ground, resource, and regulate before we even begin trauma reprocessing.
Thinking About Starting?
You don’t need to have it all figured out to reach out. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, curious, or unsure where to begin, we can explore it together.
