EMDR Session: What Actually Happens To Your Brain?

EMDR therapy is one of the most effective treatments for trauma, anxiety, and PTSD — and most people have never heard of it. In this episode of RECOVERable, licensed clinical psychologist and trauma expert Dr. Jenny Hughes breaks down exactly what EMDR therapy is, how it works, and whether it's right for you. Dr. Hughes covers: ✔ What EMDR therapy actually is — and what it isn't ✔ How trauma gets "stuck" in your brain (and how EMDR unsticks it) ✔ The difference between EMDR and traditional talk therapy ✔ All 8 phases of an EMDR session, explained step-by-step ✔ Whether EMDR works for anxiety, depression & complex PTSD ✔ Common myths about EMDR — and what the science says ✔ Why you should NEVER try to do EMDR on your own ✔ How to find a certified EMDR therapist If you've been struggling with trauma, anxiety, or depression — and feel stuck — this conversation gives you a clear, practical understanding of one of the most powerful healing tools available. —————————————————————— 🕒 CHAPTERS 0:00 — Introduction: What Is EMDR Therapy? 1:12 — How Trauma Affects Your Brain 3:02 — Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Therapy 3:37 — EMDR Myth vs. Fact ⚡ Lightning Round 9:47 — What EMDR Therapy Actually Is 12:05 — How to Find the Right EMDR Therapist 13:41 — EMDR vs. Brain Spotting: What's the Difference? 14:37 — What Can EMDR Treat? 15:58 — The Science & Research Behind EMDR 18:13 — What a Client Experiences During EMDR 22:33 — EMDR Session Walkthrough: All 8 Phases 36:35 — Do You Have to Relive Your Trauma? 39:33 — EMDR vs. Talk Therapy 41:09 — What If You Don't Know What to Target? 43:17 — Risks of EMDR Therapy 44:25 — Can You Do EMDR on Yourself? 45:59 — Does EMDR Work for Anxiety & Depression? 50:01 — In-Person vs. Virtual EMDR 51:20 — Where to Find Help & What's Next —————————————————————— RECOVERable is a production of Recovery.com — the best place to find mental health and addiction treatment. Find the right treatment for you at Recovery.com https://recovery.com