What Is EMDR Therapy?
- Amber Stiles-Bodnar
- Oct 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 22
A Practical Overview for Therapists Beginning the EMDR Journey
If you're training in or considering adding EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to your therapeutic toolbox, you're likely hearing a lot of buzz — and possibly, a lot of confusion. As a structured, evidence-based therapy for trauma and more, EMDR can be transformative not just for clients, but also for how you work as a clinician.
Here’s a brief overview to help orient you as a future EMDR therapist.
EMDR in a Nutshell
EMDR is designed to help clients reprocess distressing memories that remain “stuck” in the nervous system, often driving symptoms of trauma, anxiety, or behavioral patterns. Through a phased model — incorporating bilateral stimulation like eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones — EMDR enables more adaptive processing of traumatic or triggering material.
It’s recognized by the APA, VA, and WHO as an effective treatment for PTSD, and has expanded into broader clinical applications including:
Complex trauma
Substance use and relapse triggers
Panic disorders
Grief and loss
Somatic issues
Attachment wounds
Performance anxiety
What Therapists Should Know Early On
EMDR is not just about eye movements. Bilateral stimulation is one piece of an eight-phase protocol that includes preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation of positive beliefs, and more.
You don’t have to push for trauma narratives. In fact, clients don’t have to verbalize trauma details at all — a critical benefit when working with high-resistance or high-shame material.
Therapist readiness is just as important as client readiness. Becoming an effective EMDR therapist means doing your own grounding work, trauma-informed training, and ongoing consultation.
Structured, but flexible. While EMDR follows a formal structure, there’s room for clinical creativity — especially when working with dissociation, addiction, or developmental trauma.
Common Misconceptions Trainees Encounter
Common Misconceptions Trainees Encounter
Myth | Reality |
“It’s just eye movements.” | It’s a full therapeutic protocol grounded in memory reconsolidation and neurobiology. |
“It’s a quick fix.” | EMDR can be efficient, but healing complex trauma still requires pacing, safety, and stabilization. |
“Clients will have to relive everything.” | They don't. You can target material without requiring detailed verbal disclosure. |
“Only for PTSD.” | EMDR is increasingly used across a wide range of diagnoses and treatment goals. |
Why EMDR Training Is an Investment in Your Clinical Growth
Therapists often report that EMDR reshapes how they conceptualize cases — especially in trauma, attachment, and somatic work. It offers a structured yet adaptable approach that can be integrated into many modalities, including CBT, IFS, DBT, and somatic practices.
Whether you're just beginning your basic training, pursuing certification or Consultant-In-Training status, ongoing support and mentorship are key to building confidence and ethical, effective practice.
Next Steps for Clinicians
Complete EMDRIA-Approved Basic Training
Join EMDR consultation groups for skill building and case support
Explore advanced topics like addiction, dissociation, or complex trauma
Consider mentorship from experienced EMDRIA Approved EMDR consultants, like Amber Stiles-Bodnar, MSEd, LPCC-S, LCDC III
🧠 EMDR isn’t just a technique — it’s a framework for deep, transformative healing. As a clinician, learning EMDR can empower you to hold trauma work with more precision, safety, and confidence.
Looking for EMDR consultation, training, or development as a CIT or clinician? Amber Stiles-Bodnar offers trauma-informed consultation and support for professionals working at the intersection of trauma, addiction, and high-risk populations.
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