What Is EMDR Therapy and Why Is It So Popular Right Now?

Let’s be real—healing from trauma isn’t simple.

You might try to move on, to “get over it,” to push the memories aside… but they still linger. They show up in your body, in your relationships, in the quiet moments when you least expect it.

That’s where EMDR therapy comes in.

Over the past few years, it’s been making headlines, gaining traction among therapists, and—most importantly—changing lives. You may have seen celebrities talking about it, or heard friends say it “finally worked” when nothing else did. 

But what is EMDR therapy, really? And why has it become so popular right now?

Let’s take a closer look.

How does the EMDR therapy work?

At its core, EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is designed to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional charge. Instead of feeling trapped in the moment of your trauma, EMDR helps you view it as something that happened in the past—not something that defines your present.

Here’s how it works:

During an EMDR therapy session, a trained therapist guides you to recall a specific memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation—usually side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This process activates both hemispheres of the brain, which supports the natural way your brain processes experiences.

Think of trauma like a splinter that got stuck in your system. 

Every time you bump into it—through a trigger, a smell, or a situation—the pain flares up. EMDR therapy helps your brain “digest” the memory properly, removing the splinter and allowing healing to happen.

And the best part? 

You don’t have to rehash every single detail of your trauma out loud. Instead, you simply bring up the memory internally while your therapist guides the process. That’s one reason EMDR therapy feels more accessible and less overwhelming than some traditional talk therapies.

Is EMDR therapy difficult?

It’s an important question. After all, facing trauma is never easy. But is EMDR therapy difficult? The answer is: yes and no.

On one hand, EMDR therapy can bring up strong emotions. Revisiting painful memories, even in a controlled and supported setting, may feel intense. Some clients cry, feel body sensations, or experience vivid memories as their brain reprocesses the event.

On the other hand, many people describe EMDR therapy as surprisingly doable. Because you don’t have to tell your story in detail, there’s often less risk of retraumatization. The structured nature of EMDR therapy—paired with grounding techniques your therapist uses—helps keep the process contained and safe.

Difficult? Sometimes. Worth it? Often profoundly so.

Clients frequently report feeling lighter, freer, and more at peace after EMDR therapy—sometimes after just a few sessions. It’s not about erasing the past; it’s about loosening its grip on your present.

Why is EMDR therapy so popular right now?

There are a few reasons EMDR therapy has exploded in popularity in recent years:

1. Research-backed results

EMDR therapy is one of the most studied trauma treatments. The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychiatric Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs all recognize it as an effective treatment for PTSD. With evidence piling up, more therapists are seeking EMDR certification—and more clients are asking for it.

1. It works when other therapies feel stuck

Many people come to EMDR therapy after trying traditional talk therapy for years without seeing the breakthroughs they need. Because EMDR therapy directly targets how the brain stores traumatic memories, it often works faster and more deeply.

1. The world is talking more about trauma

Over the past decade, conversations about mental health and trauma have shifted. Social media, podcasts, and books are bringing trauma-informed care into the spotlight. As more people recognize the role trauma plays in anxiety, depression, and even physical health, they’re searching for therapies like EMDR that address the root cause.

1. Celebrity influence and visibility

When well-known figures share their experiences with EMDR therapy—whether it’s for PTSD, grief, or even performance anxiety—it normalizes the treatment. What was once a niche therapy is now widely discussed and embraced.

1. It fits the times

We live in an era of collective stress: global crises, personal losses, cultural trauma. Many people feel overwhelmed by events beyond their control. EMDR therapy offers a way to process those experiences and find stability again.

What kinds of issues can EMDR therapy help with?

Although EMDR therapy is most famous for treating PTSD, its benefits extend far beyond. Therapists now use it to address:

• Childhood trauma
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Phobias
• Addictions
• Relationship wounds
• Performance anxiety (athletes, public speaking, creative work)

In each case, EMDR therapy helps the brain file away stuck experiences and reduce the intensity of the emotional response. Instead of reliving the pain, you can finally move forward.

What can you expect in an EMDR therapy session?

If you’re considering EMDR therapy, here’s what the process often looks like:

1. Preparation – Your therapist helps you build grounding and coping skills so you feel safe before diving into trauma work.
2. Assessment – Together, you identify a memory or event to target.
3. Desensitization – While recalling the memory, you engage in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds).
4. Reprocessing – Your brain begins to integrate the memory in a new way, reducing its charge.
5. Closure and reflection – You return to the present moment, process emotions, and note any shifts.

Each person’s journey looks different. Some feel major relief quickly; others need multiple sessions. But almost all describe EMDR therapy as transformative.

Final Thoughts: Should you try EMDR therapy?

If you’re asking the question, it might be worth exploring. EMDR therapy isn’t magic, and it’s not always easy—but it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for trauma healing.

Whether you’re carrying the weight of childhood wounds, recent losses, or ongoing anxiety, EMDR therapy can help your brain and body find resolution. Instead of staying stuck in the cycle of reliving pain, you can begin to live with more freedom, presence, and peace.

At our practice, we believe no one should have to feel trapped by their past. That’s why we offer EMDR therapy as part of our commitment to trauma-informed care.

If this resonates with you, reach out today. Healing doesn’t have to wait—and you don’t have to do it alone.