EDMR

Life experiences can leave deep emotional imprints. Sometimes, even when we know we’re safe now, our nervous system still reacts like the danger is happening all over again—through anxiety, intrusive thoughts, panic, or body sensations that won’t calm down.

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach that helps the brain and body finish processing overwhelming experiences so they no longer feel so raw, intense, or stuck.

At Best Life Counseling & Consultation, our EMDR-trained therapists provide a safe, structured space to gently work through trauma, stress, and painful memories at a pace that feels right for you.

EMDR uses:

• Bilateral stimulation (gentle eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds)
   
• Guided focus on specific memories, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations
   
• A structured 8-phase protocol that helps your nervous system move from “stuck” to “more settled and integrated”
   

You stay awake and in control the entire time. EMDR is not hypnosis—your therapist is there with you, helping you stay grounded and safe at a pace that feels right for you.

Clients often use EMDR to work with:

• Past trauma (single events or long-term experiences)
   
• Anxiety and panic
   
• PTSD and complex trauma
   
• Grief and loss
   
• Childhood emotional neglect or bullying
   
• Medical or birth trauma
   
• Chronic pain and mind–body symptoms (when medically cleared)
   
• Ongoing patterns like people-pleasing, shame, or feeling “not good enough”
   

Many people describe EMDR as helping the memory feel more distant, less charged, and easier to think about without being overwhelmed.

You and your therapist talk about:

• What you’d like help with
   
• Your history and current stressors
   
• Which memories, themes, or beliefs to target
   

Together you create a treatment plan that feels focused and manageable.

Before working on big memories, your therapist helps you:

• Learn grounding and calming skills
   
• Build inner resources (safe place imagery, support figures, regulation tools)
   
• Understand the EMDR process so there are no surprises
   

This phase helps your nervous system feel safer and more prepared.

When you’re ready, your therapist will:

• Ask you to bring a specific memory, image, or belief to mind
   
• Add bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) in short sets
   
• Pause frequently to check in and help you notice what’s coming up—thoughts, emotions, sensations, or new insights
   

Your brain starts to connect the dots on its own. Over time, the intensity often fades, and new, more balanced beliefs can emerge (for example, shifting from “I’m not safe” to “I survived” or “I’m worth protecting.”)

As the distress decreases, your therapist helps strengthen more helpful, compassionate beliefs and ensures you are grounded and stable before ending the session.

You always have the right to slow down, pause, or stop at any time.