Understanding EMDR Therapy: Healing the Brain from Trauma

This infographic explains how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy works to heal traumatic memories in the brain. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps people process disturbing memories that have become "stuck" in their neural networks.

The visual guide illustrates the difference between regularly processed memories and traumatic memories that remain unprocessed. When memories become stuck due to the brain's fight, flight, or freeze response, they continue to trigger negative thoughts and feelings like "I'm such a failure." Through guided bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess these memories, allowing individuals to move from distressing self-perceptions to healthier conclusions like "The threat is over. I did my best."

This resource serves as an excellent educational tool for those considering EMDR therapy or wanting to understand how traumatic experiences can impact cognitive functioning and emotional wellbeing.