How EMDR Therapy Can Heal Childhood Trauma
How EMDR Therapy Can Heal Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on our emotional and psychological well-being. Whether it’s due to neglect, abuse, or other adverse experiences, trauma can shape how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. Fortunately, there are therapies specifically designed to help heal these deep emotional wounds—one of the most effective being Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Learn ways EMDR therapy can heal childhood trauma in this article from a licensed therapist.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a psychotherapy approach developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. Initially used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has expanded to treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and childhood trauma.
At its core, EMDR is designed to help people process traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This stimulation helps the brain “reprocess” these memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing you to view them with more objectivity and less distress.
How Childhood Trauma Affects Us
When a traumatic event occurs during childhood, it often becomes “stuck” in the brain. These unprocessed memories can lead to emotional and psychological difficulties, such as:
• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty trusting others
• Emotional regulation issues
• Recurring nightmares or flashbacks
• Self-sabotaging behaviors
The effects of childhood trauma can carry into adulthood, influencing how we react to stress, form relationships, and perceive ourselves. EMDR works to address the root of these issues by helping the brain reprocess and integrate traumatic memories.
How EMDR Heals Childhood Trauma
1. Processing Traumatic Memories
One of the core principles of EMDR is to help the brain properly process and integrate traumatic memories. When trauma occurs, the brain’s natural way of processing information can become disrupted, leading to “frozen” or “trapped” memories that trigger intense emotional reactions even years later.
Through EMDR, you revisit these memories in a safe and controlled environment. While recalling the trauma, bilateral stimulation is applied, allowing the brain to process the memory in a healthier way. Over time, these memories lose their emotional charge, and you can think about them without the overwhelming fear, shame, or pain.
2. Breaking Negative Thought Patterns
Trauma often creates negative beliefs about oneself, such as “I’m not good enough,” “I’m unlovable,” or “I’m unsafe.” These beliefs can shape how you view yourself and others, leading to self-sabotaging behaviors or difficulty in relationships.
EMDR helps challenge and break down these negative beliefs by reprocessing the memories that created them. As you work through traumatic events, you can start to adopt healthier, more positive beliefs, such as “I am worthy” or “I am safe now.”
3. Reducing the Body’s Stress Response
When you experience trauma, your body often gets stuck in a heightened state of fight-or-flight, even after the danger has passed. This constant state of hypervigilance can lead to anxiety, panic attacks, and even physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems.
EMDR helps calm the body’s nervous system by reprocessing the traumatic memories that trigger these responses. As the trauma becomes less emotionally charged, your body can begin to relax, allowing you to feel safer and more grounded in the present moment.
4. Creating New, Positive Associations
An important aspect of EMDR is replacing negative memories or beliefs with positive, empowering ones. Once a traumatic memory is reprocessed, the therapist will guide you in creating new, healthier beliefs and feelings associated with that memory.
For example, if a childhood memory led you to believe “I’m powerless,” EMDR can help you reframe that belief into “I have control over my life now.” Over time, these new associations can lead to improved self-esteem and a stronger sense of self-worth.
5. Promoting Emotional Regulation
Childhood trauma often disrupts emotional regulation, leading to mood swings, emotional numbness, or difficulty managing stress. As EMDR therapy helps to reprocess trauma, it also improves your ability to regulate your emotions. You’ll become better equipped to handle difficult situations without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down.
This emotional stability can lead to healthier relationships, improved decision-making, and greater resilience in the face of adversity.
What if I need help healing?
Trauma can feel lonely and make us believe things will never change. If you’re ready to address your childhood trauma and heal using EMDR, reach out to schedule a free 15 minute introductory consultation.
About the author, Allison Barton, LMFT
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I specialize in Anxiety, Perfectionism, and Trauma. I primarily utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when working with clients. I am also trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), mindfulness skills, solution focused therapy, and family systems.
