Key Takeaways After trauma, the brain and body can get stuck responding as if the event is still happening, EMDR works to reduce that emotional and physical intensity so the memory loses its grip Unlike talk therapy, you do not have to describe every detail of what happened or tell your whole story EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, guided eye movements, alternating taps, or sounds, while you focus on a specific memory, thought, emotion, or body sensation The goal is not to era