I first tried EMDR after years of carrying trauma from my work as a first responder. I had also struggled with low self-esteem for as long as I could remember. Traditional talk therapy helped me understand what I had been through, but it didn’t fully change how I felt inside...EMDR did.
During EMDR sessions, I was able to process memories that used to feel overwhelming. The same images and sensations that once triggered intense reactions started to lose their grip on me. I began to feel calmer and more in control of my thoughts and feelings. My body stopped reacting as if those painful events were still happening, and my startle responses diminished. For the first time, I felt like I could move forward instead of staying stuck in the past.
EMDR also helped me work on my sense of self. I could see where some of my negative beliefs had come from and replace them with something more balanced and true. Over time, I noticed that I spoke to myself more kindly and trusted myself more. Those shifts had a big impact on both my work and my relationships.
I don’t say this lightly, but I believe EMDR is lifesaving. It gave me hope and stability when I needed them most. It showed me that healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened, but it means being able to remember without reliving it.
Now that I’m starting my intern year as a therapist, I’ve chosen EMDR as my primary approach. I know firsthand how powerful it can be, and I want to offer that same process to others. Whether someone is working through trauma, anxiety, or self-esteem issues, I’ve seen how EMDR can help people reconnect with a sense of safety and strength.
For me, EMDR isn’t just a technique. It’s a way of helping the brain and body do what they’re naturally meant to do: heal.
