WHAT IS EMDR? A Beginner’s Guide to A Powerful Trauma Therapy, for Women in Charleston, South Carolina
What Is EMDR?
A Beginner’s Guide to This Powerful Trauma Therapy for Women In Charleston, SC
At Ethredge Counseling Group, we understand that healing from trauma isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. That’s why we offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful, evidence-based method designed to help people heal from distressing experiences and regain control of their lives.
So, what is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people process and release the lingering effects of trauma, anxiety, and negative self-beliefs. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR uses a technique called bilateral stimulation (often through guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a way that feels less distressing.
Why does this matter?
When something traumatic happens, our brains can get stuck in a loop. Instead of filing the memory away as something in the past, we might re-experience the fear, helplessness, or shame as if it’s happening right now. EMDR helps unstick those memories and move them into the "filed away" category, where they no longer control us.
What kinds of issues does EMDR help with?
PTSD and complex trauma
Anxiety and panic attacks
Childhood neglect or abuse
Grief and loss
Performance anxiety
Body image and self-esteem issues
Phobias
Insecure Attachment styles
Is it like hypnosis?
Nope. You remain fully awake, in control, and aware of your surroundings during EMDR sessions. The goal isn't to erase your memories, but to reduce the emotional charge they carry.
What does a session feel like?
Your therapist will help you identify a target memory and the negative belief you hold about yourself because of it. As you follow the bilateral stimulation, your brain begins to make new connections, often leading to shifts in emotion, new insights, and a sense of relief.
Many clients say EMDR feels surprisingly gentle, even when working with painful memories. Others describe it as weird but effective.
The bottom line?
EMDR isn’t magic, but it is backed by decades of research and can lead to transformative breakthroughs. At Ethredge Counseling Group, we use it because we believe in giving you tools that work.
