When we go through something really distressing or traumatic, it doesn’t just affect us emotionally—it can actually change how our brain and body respond to the world. Trauma can make certain memories, feelings, or even body sensations feel "stuck." This happens because, during a traumatic experience, our brain goes into survival mode, which helps protect us in the moment but can sometimes make it hard to process the experience fully.

When we experience trauma, certain parts of the brain that usually work together can become disconnected or overly active. The part of the brain responsible for logical thinking and making sense of events can be bypassed, while the areas that handle emotions and bodily sensations become “stuck” in that intense, protective mode. This means that memories from the trauma, as well as the emotions, body sensations, or thoughts associated with it, can remain unprocessed. So even long after the traumatic event, certain triggers—like sights, sounds, or even specific feelings—can bring back a flood of distressing memories or make us feel like we’re still in danger.

In the brain, the parts that handle emotions and survival can become overly active, while the parts that usually help us understand and make sense of what happened can get bypassed. This is why, even after the event, certain triggers—like sounds, sights, or even thoughts—can bring back intense feelings or reactions. It’s almost as if the brain and body are still preparing to face the danger, even when it’s over.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy helps by gently guiding the brain to process these “stuck” memories. With the support of eye movements or other forms of gentle stimulation, EMDR helps the brain reprocess the experience in a safe and healthy way. Over time, this can reduce the intensity of the memories, making it easier to feel calm, grounded, and free from the past.

The body also holds on to trauma. You might feel muscle tension, digestive issues, fatigue, or even a sense of being on “high alert,” as if your body is still in survival mode. This is why trauma can feel so overwhelming—it affects both how we think and feel and even how our bodies respond to everyday life.

How EMDR Helps
EMDR therapy works by helping the brain reconnect and process these memories in a healthy way. Through guided movements or sounds, EMDR helps your brain work through the “stuck” parts of these memories. Over time, this process allows the brain and body to integrate the traumatic memory so that it feels less intense. This way, memories from the past don’t control the present, allowing you to move forward with more freedom and resilience.