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EMDR is a structured, eight-phase psychotherapy model developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It’s been extensively researched and is endorsed by the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for treating trauma-related conditions.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to go into detailed descriptions of painful experiences. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation — often through guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones — to help your brain reprocess distressing memories.

During EMDR therapy, your mind naturally integrates these memories in a healthier way. You retain the facts of what happened, but the emotional distress and negative self-beliefs attached to them begin to fade.

Clients often report feeling lighter, calmer, and more at peace — as if the memory has finally lost its power.

How EMDR Therapy Works at Silver Lining Counseling

At Silver Lining Counseling, our EMDR-trained therapists in Charlotte guide you through a structured process at a pace that feels safe and manageable. The eight phases of EMDR therapy include:

1. History & Treatment Planning – Understanding your background, symptoms, and therapy goals.
2. Preparation – Building trust, teaching grounding techniques, and ensuring you feel safe before beginning trauma processing.
3. Assessment – Identifying the target memory, the emotions it brings up, and the beliefs attached to it (e.g., “I’m not safe” or “I’m not good enough”).
4. Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess the distressing experience.
5. Installation – Strengthening positive, adaptive beliefs to replace old, limiting ones.
6. Body Scan – Checking for any lingering tension or discomfort to ensure complete healing.
7. Closure – Ensuring stability and calm at the end of each session.
8. Reevaluation – Reviewing your progress and determining next steps.

This process allows your brain to release the emotional “charge” of painful experiences, so you can respond to life’s challenges with greater resilience and balance.

We understand that trying a new form of therapy can feel intimidating. Here are some common questions people ask about EMDR — and what we want you to know:

“Will I have to relive my trauma?” No. EMDR doesn’t require detailed retelling or reliving of the event. Instead, we focus on helping your brain process the memory safely, while keeping you grounded and supported throughout.

“Is EMDR hypnosis?” No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You are awake, aware, and in control during every session. The process simply engages your brain’s natural healing mechanisms through guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation.

“Does EMDR erase memories?” It doesn’t erase memories — it changes the way you experience them. The memory remains, but it no longer feels emotionally overwhelming or defining.

“What if it doesn’t work for me?” EMDR has been proven effective across diverse backgrounds and trauma types. Many clients who felt stuck in traditional therapy find EMDR creates deeper, more lasting change.

“I’m worried about losing control or falling apart.” Healing doesn’t mean unraveling — it means gently restoring balance. Sessions are paced to ensure stability and safety, and you’ll always have the tools you need to stay grounded.