Final Thoughts
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained significant recognition as an effective treatment for trauma, anxiety and distressing memories. Despite its success, misconceptions persist, sometimes deterring people from exploring its benefits. If you've ever wondered what EMDR is really about - or if misinformation has made you hesitant - let's set the record straight.
Myth #1: EMDR is the same as hypnosis.
One of the most common misunderstandings due to the name is that EMDR is a form of hypnosis. While both approaches tap into the brain's ability to heal, they are fundamentally different.
Hypnosis involves inducing a trance-like state to access the subconscious mind, often with guided suggestions. EMDR, on the other hand, is an active process where clients remain fully awake and in control while experiencing an array of emotional experiences.
Our brains naturally attempt to process memories though rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, during which a form of bilateral stimulation occurs. EMDR utilizes this same natural mechanism-through intentional eye movements, tapping or sounds - to reprocess distressing memories, making them less overwhelming. Unlike hypnosis, the goal is not to "suggest" new thoughts but to allow the brain to integrate past experiences in a way that reduces emotional distress.
During EMDR, the therapist and client choose a form of bilateral stimulation that suits the client's sensory needs. Examples of this may include, but are not limited to:
Auditory stimulation - listening to alternate tones through headphones
Eye movements - the client's eyes methodically follow the therapist's hand or a blinking machine or the client can shift gazes methodically between post-its placed on either side of their home computer screen
Tactile stimulation - self-tapping, such as tapping both hands on thighs or using the "butterfly hug" method: client's arms are crossed and both hands simultaneously tap opposite arms or the client will hold the therapist's handheld buzzers that alternate vibrations in a therapeutic way (as pictured by Luke O'Brien below)
Written By: Sarah Donovan, LCPC, RYT
Licensed Mental Health Therapist in Maryland
Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant-in-Training
Founder of Tilted Root Counseling and Therapies: Specializing in Perinatal Mental Health, EMDR and Trauma
February 12th, 2025
Debunking Common Myths about EMDR: What You Need to Know
Myth #2: EMDR will erase my memories
Some people fear that EMDR will make them forget their trauma. This is not true. EMDR does not erase memories - it changes how they are stored in the brain. Before treatment, a traumatic event may feel as raw and overwhelming as when it first happened. After some EMDR, the memory remains, but it no longer carries the same emotional intensity.
Clients often describe feeling a sense of distance from the event that feels safe, as if it has moved from an intrusive, painful memory to something that happened in the past - without defining their present. Rather than forgetting, EMDR helps people remember without reliving the pain.
Myth #3 You must relieve every detail of your trauma
One of the biggest fears about EMDR is the idea of having to talk through trauma in excruciating detail. That's not the case.
Unlike traditional talk therapies, where verbal processing is central, EMDR does not require clients to fully recount their experiences. Instead, the focus is on how the memory feels in the body and mind. The therapist guides the client in reprocessing the distress while keeping them grounded in the present.
Many clients find relief in knowing that healing is possible without having to rehash every painful moment. EMDR allows people to work through trauma at a pace that feels safe for clients, without getting stuck in the details of the past in an unhealthy way.
Myth #4: EMDR only starts at the reprocessing phase
Some believe that EMDR really starts when the therapist uses the eye movements or when any type of bilateral stimulation is involved as mentioned in Myth #1.
There are 8 phases to EMDR and clients receive psychoeducation about trauma, the nervous system, gather a specialized medical history and educate the client on how EMDR helps the brain heal and their symptoms decrease. This foundation empowers clients to feel prepared, have control and feel and be optimistic about the process.
When done well, EMDR is not just about "fixing" memories - it's about equipping clients with lifelong tools for emotional resilience.
EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that has helped countless people heal from trauma, anxiety, and distressing experiences. By understanding what EMDR truly involves, more people can access this life-changing therapy with confidence and without skepticism.
If you have been curious about EMDR but hesitant due to the misconceptions, know this:
It's not magic. It's not a shortcut. But it works.
I have been practicing EMDR for almost four years, but clinically for 15 and am passionate about sharing it with my clients, colleagues and community. I've witnessed incredible transformations - people getting unstuck, feeling safe in their bodies and finding relief they never thought possible.
In reality, EMDR is challenging, deep and profoundly rewarding. Facing painful experiences and allowing the brain to reprocess them head-on takes courage. The work is difficult and the results are powerful. Clients consistently report that, despite the emotional effort, they don't regret going through it.
Two things can be true. EMDR can be tough AND it can be one of the best decisions you make for your body and mind.
Are you a clinician who wants to learn and be in community with other EMDR therapists?
Sarah is starting a weekly EMDR Consultation Group every Thursday @ 12-1p (EST) via GoogleMeet. This group counts towards becoming a Certified EMDR Therapist and provides compassionate, evidenced-based and collaborative clinical care, resources and community.
Email her at sarah@tiltedroot.com to sign-up!