Finding Healing After Trauma Through EMDR

When pain from the past feels like it's holding you back in the present, it can be hard to imagine a way forward. Even when you've done all the “right” things—talked about it, prayed, tried to move on—you might still feel stuck. In this post, Catherine Cain, MSW, LMSW (supervised by Melissa Gould, LCSW-S), explains how EMDR therapy offers a gentle, effective path toward healing—especially in the places that feel frozen in time.
How Healing Can Happen in the Stuck Places
As a therapist specializing in trauma, grief, and anxiety, I’ve seen how wounds from the past can show up in the present—impacting our relationships and even how we see ourselves. I’ve also witnessed the incredible resilience people carry, even when they feel stuck or exhausted by pain.
Even with our best efforts—talking about it, journaling, praying, trying to move on—we can still feel stuck. It may feel like part of you is frozen in time, still reacting to past hurts as if they’re happening all over again.
If this resonates with you, I want you to know there is hope. Healing is possible, even in the places that feel stuck or overwhelming. One approach that has brought significant transformation for many is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Originally developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy that helps people recover from trauma. It has also been found effective in treating anxiety, depression, grief, and other distressing life experiences.
Even with our best efforts—talking about it, journaling, praying, trying to move on—we can still feel stuck. It may feel like part of you is frozen in time, still reacting to past hurts as if they’re happening all over again.
If this resonates with you, I want you to know there is hope. Healing is possible, even in the places that feel stuck or overwhelming. One approach that has brought significant transformation for many is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Originally developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy that helps people recover from trauma. It has also been found effective in treating anxiety, depression, grief, and other distressing life experiences.
How EMDR Helps
Our brains are naturally wired for healing. Just as our bodies know how to recover from a physical wound, our minds are built to process and resolve painful experiences. But trauma can interrupt that process. When something overwhelming or frightening happens, the brain may be unable to fully process the experience, leaving it stuck in the nervous system.
These “stuck” memories can show up as:
These “stuck” memories can show up as:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Emotional numbness or disconnection
- Difficulty trusting others
- Persistent anxiety or fear
- Shame, guilt, or a deep sense of worthlessness
What Happens in an EMDR Session
When we sleep, our brains use REM (rapid eye movement) cycles to sort and store memories. EMDR mimics this natural healing process while you’re awake.
During a session, I will guide you to focus on a memory while using bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This activates both sides of your brain, helping the memory “move” and settle in a more peaceful, integrated place.
You remain fully conscious during the session and are always in control. Over time, the memory that once triggered intense emotions will no longer carry the same weight. You’ll remember it—but you won’t relive it.
During a session, I will guide you to focus on a memory while using bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This activates both sides of your brain, helping the memory “move” and settle in a more peaceful, integrated place.
You remain fully conscious during the session and are always in control. Over time, the memory that once triggered intense emotions will no longer carry the same weight. You’ll remember it—but you won’t relive it.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR
EMDR can be helpful for a wide range of experiences, including:
Whether the trauma is recent or rooted in early life, EMDR offers a compassionate, structured way to process and heal.
- Childhood trauma or neglect
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Medical or accident-related trauma
- Complicated grief or loss
- Panic attacks or generalized anxiety
- Persistent negative beliefs (like “I’m not enough” or “I’m not safe”)
Whether the trauma is recent or rooted in early life, EMDR offers a compassionate, structured way to process and heal.
A Safe Place to Begin the Healing Journey
One of the most powerful things about EMDR is that it doesn’t require you to talk through every detail of your trauma. The process meets you where you are, at a pace that feels safe. It allows your brain and body to do the work of healing, with support and structure.
Healing through EMDR isn’t a quick fix—but for many, it’s a turning point. It’s where the “stuck” places begin to move, and where the shift begins—from shame to freedom, from fear to peace. If you would like someone to guide you through healing from trauma with EMDR and are interested in working with me or another ALCS therapist, please contact our office.
Healing through EMDR isn’t a quick fix—but for many, it’s a turning point. It’s where the “stuck” places begin to move, and where the shift begins—from shame to freedom, from fear to peace. If you would like someone to guide you through healing from trauma with EMDR and are interested in working with me or another ALCS therapist, please contact our office.
Catherine is EMDR trained and works with adults, college students, and teenagers (16+). She specializes in grief and loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, spiritual concerns, complex family dynamics, and life transitions. She believes that we are all in the process of becoming someone, and each of us is graciously invited to take an active role in who we will become. Catherine sees it as a deep honor to be even a small part of someone else’s journey towards flourishing.
For specific questions, email Catherine at catherine@abundantlifecounseling.com .
For specific questions, email Catherine at catherine@abundantlifecounseling.com .
Posted in Blogs by Catherine