You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck: How EMDR Helps Heal Trauma

Trish Knebel
Apr 12
3 min read

Trauma is not simply something that happens in the past, it is something that can live on within us, shaping how we think, feel, and respond to the world around us.

Renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes this concept in his groundbreaking book, The Body Keeps the Score. His research demonstrates how trauma is stored not only in the mind but also in the body, influencing our daily functioning, relationships, and emotional well-being.

An Evidence-Based Path to Healing

In 1987, psychologist Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.

When something overwhelming happens, the brain’s natural ability to process the event can become disrupted. Instead of the experience being stored as a past memory, it becomes “stuck” along with the original emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations. This is why a present day situation can trigger intense reactions that feel out of proportion or hard to control.

EMDR helps resolve this by activating the brain’s natural healing process.

Through the use of bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds), EMDR allows the brain to reprocess distressing memories so they are no longer overwhelming or intrusive.

As this process unfolds, many individuals begin to notice:

Reduced emotional intensity connected to past experiences
Fewer triggers in everyday life
Relief from anxiety and intrusive thoughts
A shift from negative beliefs (like “I’m not safe”) to more adaptive ones (like “I’m in control now”)
A greater sense of calm, clarity, and emotional balance

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

EMDR is a structured and supportive process designed to ensure you feel safe every step of the way.

Sessions typically include:

Building coping skills and emotional stability
Identifying experiences connected to current challenges
Reprocessing memories using bilateral stimulation
Noticing shifts in thoughts, emotions, and body sensations

You remain in control throughout the process. You do not have to share every detail of your experience out loud, and the pace is guided in a way that feels manageable and supportive.

Why EMDR Feels Different

Traditional talk therapy focuses on understanding your experiences.

EMDR goes a step further by helping your brain and body resolve them.

As highlighted in the work of Bessel van der Kolk, trauma is held not just in memory, but in the nervous system. This is why you may logically know you are safe, yet still feel anxious, overwhelmed, or on edge.

EMDR helps bridge that gap so healing is not just something you think about, but something you truly feel.

Continuing Education to Better Serve You

This weekend, I had the privilege of completing the first half of my EMDR training. This experience deepened my understanding of how trauma impacts both children and adults, and reinforced how powerful the healing process can be when the right tools are used.

I look forward to continuing this journey and expanding the services I offer to better support healing and growth. I am excited to begin integrating these new skills and techniques into my work with clients.