Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
“Trauma can be healed when it is fully processed rather than continually relived.”
Francine Shapiro
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused, evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process and heal from distressing experiences. EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro after she discovered a connection between eye movements and emotional processing.
Today, EMDR is widely recognized as one of the leading treatments for trauma and PTSD, while also being highly effective for anxiety, panic, attachment wounds, grief, performance anxiety, and negative self-beliefs.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to repeatedly retell painful experiences in detail. Instead, EMDR helps the brain “reprocess” unresolved memories so they no longer feel emotionally overwhelming or stuck in the nervous system.
What does EMDR therapy look like?
EMDR is a structured and collaborative therapy process that helps clients safely revisit and process unresolved experiences without becoming retraumatized. During EMDR sessions, therapists use forms of bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues — while clients focus on specific memories, emotions, body sensations, or beliefs.
Over time, distressing memories often become less emotionally charged and clients begin developing healthier beliefs about themselves and the world around them.
EMDR may help clients:
Reduce emotional reactivity connected to past experiences
Process traumatic or distressing memories
Decrease anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance
Improve emotional regulation
Shift deeply rooted negative self-beliefs
Feel more grounded, calm, and present
Strengthen self-worth and internal safety
Improve relationships and attachment patterns
At Nashville Counseling Associates, we approach EMDR through a trauma-informed, relational lens. We recognize that healing happens not only through processing painful experiences, but also through building safety, trust, and nervous system regulation throughout the therapeutic process.
EMDR could be right for you if you experience or relate to any of the following...
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or chronic overwhelm
PTSD or trauma-related symptoms
Hypervigilance or feeling “on edge”
Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
Childhood trauma or attachment wounds
Emotional numbness or dissociation
Persistent shame or negative self-beliefs
Difficulty trusting others or feeling emotionally safe
Relationship struggles connected to past experiences
Grief, loss, or unresolved pain
Perfectionism or fear-based coping patterns
Irritability, anger, or emotional reactivity
Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
Body-based symptoms connected to stress or trauma
Feeling stuck despite insight or previous therapy work
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Interested in healing under this therapeutic approach?
Reach out and we will connect you with a qualified therapist.
