How Does EMDR Work? A Compassionate Guide from a Licensed Therapist
Author: Amanda Farris, LCSW, QS
Reviewer: Dr. Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC ✓
Published June 25, 2025
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (commonly known as EMDR) has become one of the most trusted approaches for healing psychological trauma, anxiety, and deeply held negative beliefs. But beyond the research and clinical definitions, many people still ask, “What does it actually feel like to experience EMDR in the therapy room?”
To help answer that, we turned to Amanda Farris, a trauma-informed therapist at It Begins Within in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Amanda uses EMDR regularly with clients of all backgrounds, and she shared a transparent and deeply compassionate explanation that makes the process feel less intimidating and more empowering.
This guide is based on that real conversation—and it’s for anyone curious about EMDR as part of their healing journey.
What EMDR Actually Feels Like
More than a method, EMDR is a therapeutic experience rooted in safety and collaboration. According to Amanda, the process doesn’t begin with reprocessing painful memories—instead, it starts with connection.
“Absolutely not,” Amanda said when asked if EMDR starts in the first session. “The first few sessions are all about getting to know each other, understanding your history, and checking in on your coping tools—even if they’re not perfect. We begin with resourcing and rapport.”
Amanda describing the initial EMDR therapy sessions
Only once a secure foundation is established—through calming strategies, stress regulation, and mutual trust—does EMDR move toward reprocessing. Even then, the memory work is guided with care.
Clients are invited to approach the memory gently, never with overwhelm. Amanda often recommends visualizing the event like watching a train go by or a scene on a TV screen—creating just enough emotional distance to process safely.
“We identify a target memory. I ask what emotions or sensations come up in the body. We check how intense it feels from 0 to 10. Then we start bilateral stimulation—eye movements, tapping, or an EMDR light bar—while staying curious about what unfolds.”
The process feels intuitive. There's no "right" memory to choose and no way to get it wrong. Amanda emphasizes that the client’s brain will do the work—it just needs a safe container and the right tools.
Demonstration of bilateral stimulation with EMDR
Beyond Trauma - EMDR for Anxiety, Self-Worth, and “Sticky” Thoughts
EMDR is well-known for treating trauma, but Amanda wants people to know that it’s not only for processing catastrophic events. It’s also incredibly effective for people holding onto emotional residue that seems small on the surface but runs deep—like chronic self-doubt, persistent anxiety, or shame patterns.
“Maybe someone’s been anxious for years, and they keep having the same intrusive thought—‘I’m not good enough.’ That’s where EMDR can be so powerful. We find the root of that belief and reprocess it.”
At It Begins Within Healing Center, EMDR often helps people uncover deeper emotional wounds that aren’t always obvious at first. Clients may begin therapy feeling overwhelmed without knowing why. Through EMDR, things begin to click—giving context to current struggles and offering relief without needing to analyze every detail out loud.
Amanda explaining EMDR's role in managing anxiety and self-worth issues
EMDR as a Tool, Not a Standalone Solution
It's important to understand that EMDR is a therapeutic tool—not a standalone program or quick fix. Amanda integrates EMDR into each client's unique therapy journey, combining it with modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT), and trauma-focused interventions.
“Sometimes people search for EMDR therapists near me or PTSD treatment near me and come in asking for EMDR right away, and we can absolutely work toward that. But it helps to view EMDR as one part of the bigger picture—something that supports and enhances other areas of healing,” Amanda shared.
Whether a client is actively processing past trauma or building emotional regulation for the first time, EMDR complements the journey wherever they are.
if your seeking support WE INVITE YOU TO learn more & schedule a free consultation with one of our TAMPA licensed THERAPIST.
EMDR Helps to Move Trauma Through the Body
More and more people are beginning to understand that trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it lives in the body. It gets stored in our chest, our stomachs, our shoulders. Amanda sees this every day in her clinical work.
“It’s a very body-based process. We might not even have the words for what happened. But through EMDR, we can help the body release what it’s been holding—with safety, without re-traumatizing.”
That’s part of what makes EMDR so emotionally powerful—it meets you where you are, even if your trauma response is hard to explain or access. The nervous system knows, and EMDR helps it move toward healing.
Amanda explaining EMDR’s somatic component
Key Takeaways
EMDR is a gentle, client-centered approach to healing difficult memories and limiting beliefs stored in the body and mind.
EMDR therapy near me searches often reflect concerns about risks of EMDR therapy, dangers of EMDR therapy, and why is EMDR so controversial; however, when guided by trained EMDR practitioners near you, it is a safe and evidence-based approach.
EMDR begins with trust, collaborative planning, and emotional safety—not deep diving into trauma immediately.
Bilateral stimulation (via tapping, buzzers, or eye movements) guides the nervous system to reprocess distress without retraumatization.
EMDR helps not just trauma but anxious thoughts, low self-worth, grief, and stuck emotional patterns.
Signs of emotional trauma in adults can be subtle, and EMDR offers a profound method to access and release these hidden blocks.
At IBWHC, EMDR is integrated into a comprehensive, trauma-informed therapy plan designed for your unique needs.
