What’s Up With the Eye Movements in EMDR Therapy?
If you’ve ever heard about EMDR therapy, you’ve likely also heard something about eye movements being involved—and you might be wondering, “What’s that all about?”
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it’s a form of therapy designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. One of the most unique aspects of EMDR is its use of bilateral stimulation, which is often through guided eye movements.
So, What’s Up With the Eye Movements?
The premise of EMDR therapy is that when we’re emotionally overwhelmed or traumatized, our brains sometimes don’t process those memories in a healthy way. They get “stuck,” and when triggered, we might feel like we’re reliving the experience all over again. EMDR helps “unstick” those memories.
During a session, the therapist will guide your eyes to move back and forth, usually by moving their fingers or a light bar in front of you. This is thought to mimic the natural processing your brain does during REM sleep, when your eyes move rapidly. As the eyes move, it unlocks “stuck” memories in your amygdala and your brain begins to process the traumatic memory, making it feel less intense and more manageable over time.
How EMDR Therapy Helps Process Trauma
While focusing on the traumatic memory, we are also asking you to identify what emotion and belief are attached to it, as well as where you feel it in your body. Have you heard the term “the body keeps the score?” It’s so true, and it’s why therapists are starting to use somatic approaches to healing trauma rather than traditional talk therapy.
But here’s the cool part: it’s not just about eye movements.
Some therapists use tapping, tappers, or sounds instead—anything that gets both sides of your brain activated alternately (that’s the “bilateral” part). And while researchers are still studying exactly how it works, we know that EMDR can be incredibly effective for reducing the emotional charge of painful memories.
So if you’ve been curious about EMDR or wondering about those eye movements—it’s not hypnosis, it’s not magic. It’s just one part of a powerful, research-supported approach to healing.
Start EMDR Therapy in Palm Beach, FL
Got more questions about EMDR? Feel free to reach out—mental health doesn’t have to be a mystery. At Mangrove Therapy Group, every single staff member is EMDR trained, and we regularly meet to consult on cases to ensure that you are getting the best treatment possible. Start your therapy journey with a caring therapist by following these simple steps:
- Contact Mangrove Therapy Group
- Meet with a compassionate, skilled therapist
- Start healing from past trauma!
Other Services Offered at Mangrove Therapy Group
Trauma bonding is just one piece of the healing puzzle, and our therapists are trained to support you through so much more. Our Delray Beach, FL office also offers care for:
- Trauma, PTSD, and Complex PTSD
- Substance use and process addictions
- Eating disorders and body image concerns
- Grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem challenges
- Anger, shame, and emotional dysregulation
- “Failure to Launch” issues and life transitions
- EMDR, CBT, and DBT-based support
If you’re ready, we’re here. Let’s help you build a life where your nervous system doesn’t have to brace for impact—and where love starts to feel like a soft place to land. You can learn more from our blog or FAQs page.