The Science Behind EMDR: Why It Helps You Heal

Ever feel like a difficult memory just keeps haunting you - maybe a medical procedure, betrayal or accident? I’m Erin Fischer, a Sherwood Park psychologist, and I’ve seen EMDR make a real difference. So what is EMDR about, and why does it work? Let’s dig in because understanding this might be your first step to feeling better.

‍

Back in 1987, Dr. Francine Shapiro was strolling through a park, her mind tangled in some heavy thoughts. She had been mulling over a personal worry for days, and as she walked, her gaze drifted—sweeping side to side, tracing the rhythm of the trees swaying in the breeze. Something shifted; the knot in her chest started to loosen, just a little. Curious, she leaned into it, noticing how those natural eye movements seemed to lighten her load. She wondered if it could help others too. So she tried it—guiding people to recall tough memories while mimicking that side-to-side motion—and it worked. That spark became EMDR: a way to use eye movements or taps to help your brain process unprocessed stress. I use it with my clients—first responders, those dealing with addiction, anyone still carrying old pain—and it involves witnessing pain to release it.

‍

The science isn’t just talk—it’s real. Years ago, a study in the Journal of Traumatic Stress worked with Vietnam veterans suffering from PTSD. After 12 EMDR sessions, most of them didn’t fit the diagnostic criteria anymore—no more constant flashbacks or night terrors. Another one from Kaiser Permanente showed folks who had been through car accidents or other single incident traumas and mitigated PTSD in just six short sessions. Even cumulative trauma survivors saw big changes. Whether you’re sitting in my Sherwood Park office or connecting from across Alberta, EMDR holds up. Want to peek at the details? Check them out here, here, and here.

‍

Here’s the simple breakdown: Stressful experiences can get stuck in your brain. Your amygdala—that fight-or-flight centre, continues sounds an "alarm bell" even after the stressful experience has passed. EMDR’s bilateral stimulation, like eye movements, settles the alarm and helps your body recognize that that threat is over. It’s not about erasing the memory—it’s about changing what it means to you now. For first responders I see, it may mean you can better tolerate triggers at work. For others, it may improve your trust in others and help you grow your interpersonal function.

‍

You don’t need some major trauma for EMDR to help. That breakup that still stings, getting your pay or benefits cut—it works there too. The World Health Organization backs EMDR, and I’ve seen it change lives too. It’s reputable and doesn’t require speaking about trauma—just bring it up in your mind and ride out whatever comes up.

‍

If this feels like it might fit—or if you’re just curious—I’d love to hear from you. Sign up for my mailing list below to keep learning, or if you live in Alberta, book a consultation. No pressure, seeking treatment is your call, and I’m here when you’re ready.

‍