Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing – commonly called EMDR – was originally developed as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. Its acceptance as an effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD has since become widespread, recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the World Health Organization and others as a frontline therapy. Nikki Rodriguez, certified as an EMDR therapist in 2022, treats people with PTSD and related conditions at her practice in Vero Beach. “EMDR is an evidence-based, eight-phase therapy designed to help individuals process and resolve distressing or traumatic memories,” explains Rodriguez. “What makes it so powerful is that it uses bilateral stimulation – such as eye movements, sounds or tactile cues – to engage both hemispheres of the brain. This mimics the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep and allows the brain to reprocess unresolved experiences in a more adaptive and integrated way.” Cleveland Clinic explains that while EMDR therapy is relatively new in the world of medical care, it’s a very effective method of helping people with traumatic memories and an option for people of all ages, including children. Though this treatment is best known for its use in treating PTSD, ongoing research shows it can treat other conditions. While it doesn’t treat all mental health issues, it can make a big difference for people struggling with painful events in their past. Rodriguez says EMDR helps clients reconnect with their own innate ability to heal. “The transformation doesn’t come from my interpretation as a therapist, but from within the client – their nervous system, insight and resilience,” Rodriguez says. “The process begins with a thorough history-taking that includes identifying the memories that continue to cause emotional or physical distress. At the same time, I’m assessing a client’s readiness for the work – because EMDR is not just about diving into trauma, it’s about ensuring the client feels safe and supported every step of the way. “We spend time developing internal resources and coping tools that can be used both in and out of session. This part is crucial – clients should never feel overwhelmed between sessions. Equilibrium is a goal, not just in healing, but throughout the entire process.” During reprocessing, the upsetting memory itself is explored, along with the negative self-beliefs attached to it, the emotions that arise, and the physical sensations that occur. The body remembers what the mind may forget, and EMDR allows patients to access and release that stored physical tension. “While I may guide the process, patients are the ones doing the healing. We use the body’s own systems to ‘file away’ a memory that’s been sticking out – loud, painful, and disruptive. By processing, we don’t erase the memory, we remove its emotional charge. I’m like air traffic control – listening for patterns, watching for shifts, and gently helping them navigate what arises,” Rodriguez says. “Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR isn’t about analyzing or discussing a traumatic memory in depth. It’s about observing what comes up. Clients share what they experienced, and I guide them to ‘go with that,’ allowing the brain to do what it naturally wants to do – heal.” Continues Rodriguez, “Once the distress is significantly reduced, we install a more adaptive, positive belief to replace the old negative one. I encourage patients to journal or track dreams, thoughts and physical sensations they notice between sessions, as they’re often meaningful pieces of the puzzle.” EMDR allows patients to address not only past memories but also prevent triggers and future situations connected to those experiences. What once felt debilitating becomes something that no longer holds power. EMDR brings transformation not just to the mind, but to the body and spirit as well. Rodirguez says that while EMDR is a powerful and effective tool, it’s not appropriate for every individual at every point in the healing journey. “It may not be suitable for someone who is currently in an unstable life situation, lacks coping resources, or is actively using substances in a way that impairs their ability to stay present. “It’s also not recommended for individuals who are experiencing severe dissociation, psychosis or active suicidality, as these conditions can interfere with their ability to engage in the process safely.” Sometimes a person may not be ready to let go of a particular memory or the meaning attached to it, explains Rodriguez. “That could be because the memory is tied to a part of their identity, or because they’re still receiving a perceived benefit from holding onto it – whether that’s protection, attention, or simply familiarity. Healing can feel threatening when pain has become part of one’s normal.” EMDR is effective for treating PTSD because it helps individuals fully transform an event or memory that once felt overwhelming. Through EMDR, what once triggered intense emotional or physical reactions becomes something that no longer holds the same charge. “This is truly an individual process – there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline,” explains Rodriguez “Some clients come into EMDR with a solid foundation of emotional work and can move through the reprocessing phases quickly. Others may need time to build distress tolerance and internal coping resources.” The National Center for PTSD, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, states that numerous studies demonstrate EMDR is effective to treat PTSD when administered over approximately three months. EMDR has the strongest recommendation for being an effective treatment in most clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD. Rodriguez says you know results have been achieved when the targeted memory no longer holds a heavy emotional charge – when you can recall it without distress, without your body responding in fear, and without being pulled back into the experience. The nervous system no longer reacts as if the event is happening now. Instead, it feels like something that happened in the past and has been neurologically and chemically assessed and accepted by the brain. Rodriguez suggests if you’re looking for a therapist, start with www.psychologytoday.com, and filter for therapists trained in EMDR, or visit www.emdria.org, the EMDR International Association’s website. She concludes, “EMDR is deeply personal work, and you’ll be sharing vulnerable parts of your story – trust is non-negotiable. You want to feel emotionally safe with the person guiding you through this process. It addresses the emotional, mental, and physical layers of trauma. It’s a comprehensive, integrative approach that’s not just about feeling better – it’s about coming home to yourself.” Nikki Rodriguez, MS, LMHC, graduated from University of Central Florida with a BS in Liberal Studies, specializing in behavioral and social sciences and education and minoring in criminal justice. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with an MS in counseling. She is a licensed mental health counselor and certified EMDR therapist. Her practice is located within Restorative Wellness Vero, at 2239 14th Ave. Call 772-579-6443 for an appointment.