When Trauma Won't “File Away”: The Power of EMDR

When Memories Don't File Properly

As I've been reading Francine Shapiro's foundational work on EMDR as part of my training, one concept that makes sense to me is how traumatic memories can become "stuck" in our minds. Think of it like files on a computer - when everything is working smoothly, our experiences get properly processed, categorized, and stored in our long-term memory where they belong.

But sometimes, particularly with traumatic or highly distressing experiences, this natural filing system gets disrupted. Instead of being organized and integrated with our other memories, these traumatic experiences remain in a kind of "active folder" - unprocessed, fragmented, and still triggering our nervous system as if the danger is happening right now.

How it works…

EMDR is one way to help the brain complete this interrupted filing process. Through bilateral stimulation (traditionally eye movements, but also sounds or tactile sensations), EMDR appears to activate the same neural mechanisms that naturally process experiences during REM sleep. This allows those "stuck" traumatic memories to finally be properly integrated and stored, reducing their emotional charge and intrusive quality.

Why I'm Excited to add this tool to my toolkit

The research supporting EMDR is compelling, and I've seen firsthand how trauma can impact people's daily lives in profound ways. The idea that we can help the brain's natural healing processes work more effectively - that we can help people "file away" their traumatic experiences properly - feels both hopeful and empowering.

I'm looking forward to learning the specific protocols, understanding the theory more deeply, and eventually being able to offer this evidence-based approach to my clients. As a therapist, I think it's important to have a diverse toolkit to help clients, as each person is unique.

Moving Forward

I'm reminded of why I love this field so much. Every new therapeutic approach offers fresh perspectives on the human experience and new ways to support healing. I’ll be sure to update everyone when I can expand this service to all my clients.

Check out https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/ or About EMDR Therapy - EMDR International Association for more information on EMDR.

Video resources https://youtu.be/hKrfH43srg8?si=BrnOAIL8RxGLa7K9

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care . If you are experiencing distress or a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services.