What Does EMDR Therapy Actually Feel Like?

Published: September 11, 2025

If you’ve been curious about EMDR but nervous to try it — you’re in the right place.

Many of our clients were hesitant too. They asked:

“Will I have to relive everything?”
“What if I’m not ready?”
“Is it like hypnosis?”

The good news? EMDR is a gentle, guided process that puts you in full control. Here’s what to expect.


👋 Step 1: You’ll Feel Safe Before Anything Else

Your first session is all about building trust. We’ll talk about:

Nothing happens without your consent — you’re the one steering the ship.


🧠 Step 2: Targeting “Stuck” Memories

When you’re ready, we’ll identify a target memory — often something that still causes distress, even if it seems small.

With your therapist, you’ll start the reprocessing phase using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping).

You don’t need to retell every detail. The healing happens internally — guided by your brain’s natural processing system.


✨ Step 3: Relief, Insight, and Integration

Clients often say things like:

“It feels like my body let go of it.”
“That memory doesn’t hold power over me anymore.”
“I feel lighter.”

It’s not always instant — but it is real. EMDR can help you break emotional patterns that felt hardwired.


Ready to Try EMDR?

Whether you’ve been in therapy for years or this is your first step, EMDR can meet you where you are.

We’re currently accepting new clients both virtually and in-person in Mount Lebanon.
📍 Pittsburgh trauma therapy, done differently.

Let’s begin together.

 👉 Book a consult now