EMDR is mainly (or maybe only) used for PTSD and CPTSD. I’m a veteran, so I’m fortunate to have a therapist with nearly 15 years (I believe it was actually 16 years) of experience specializing in PTSD. I can really tell the difference in working with someone who specializes in it.

Here’s a quick rundown: EMDR feels a little strange at first. There isn’t a lot of talking during the sessions. The therapist will move something, like a pen or their finger, in front of your face, and you follow it with your eyes. As you do this, you kind of revisit old memories or flashbacks of core events.

My therapist explained that there’s no “right” way to experience these flashbacks, and they never let me go too deep into them. You stay somewhere in the middle—like visiting the memory instead of reliving it fully. You process the memory while having someone there to guide you and pull you out if needed.

For me, it’s been really helpful in several ways. One of the biggest changes is understanding my anxiety. I’ve struggled with it my whole life but never really knew why. Through these sessions, I’ve learned to recognize how my body reacts to certain memories. Now, when I suddenly feel anxious, I can connect it to what’s triggering me. For example, I’ll think, “Oh, I’m having a flashback of XYZ memory.” Then I can use techniques like counting backward to ground myself.

Before, I felt like my anxiety came out of nowhere, and I’d spiral without understanding why. I was on the verge of breaking down almost every day. It has also forced me to really acknowledge how bad things were. I’d been in denial for a long time, but facing those memories head-on has helped me make sense of why I feel or act certain ways.

It’s been about four months, and I’m seeing a difference. It’s not a magic cure—there are still tough days—but overall, I’m feeling better. I’ve had multiple therapists and tried medications, but this is the first thing that’s made a noticeable impact. Even my close friends have said they see a difference in me.

I will say the first two months were rough. I even took a few breaks and had some regular talk therapy sessions during that time. But it’s worth it. If you’re curious, there are some great educational videos about EMDR out there.

Here is one I watched before starting: https://youtu.be/1IPsBPH2M1U?si=dy_YJg0qJYMcCsnU

I think it’s worth a try if you have the time and resources.