EMDR releases anxiety by calming our central nervous system. And to answer the question of what EMDR feels like is hard because it’s probably different for everyone. For me, it’s a very relaxing experience. I feel more centered and mindful. This sense of mindfulness creates a radical sense of self and an acceptance of my reality.

The memories are still there, but the emotional baggage is gone. This opens my heart which has been barricaded my entire life. It also opens my mind and my perspective.

EMDR has a calming effect

Not only does EMDR release anxiety and help people recover from trauma and PTSD, but for most people it’s also very calming. The sound level and intensity of the pulsations in both the headphone and the pulsating hand paddles immediately creates a feeling of calm and clarity. They’re controlled independently of each other and are easy to adjust. This means that at any time during treatment, you can stop and re-adjust the sound or intensity level. I like to crank it up because I like very intense pulsations. In fact, the more intense the paddles are pulsating in my hands and louder the noise I’m receiving through the headset, the more relaxed I feel, the more focused I am, and the faster my subconscious takes over.

I’ve read that for some people who suffer from extreme anxiety, the pulsations can bring quick relief. That said, I’m not a doctor, and everyone’s preferences and experience will be different and unique to them. I’ve also only experienced extreme anxiety a few times in my life. Talk about panic attacks! I’m thankful I’ve only experienced a few of them.

More about EMDR sessions

My EDMR sessions start with me checking in with my therapist. Then we set up the equipment. I take a few deep breaths, and before you know it I’m 100% in the present with no clutter in my head whatsoever. With my mental clarity at 100%, I feel relaxed and focused and my subconscious is ready to kick in. I believe it’s this total focus that enables EMDR to release anxiety and create relaxation.

EMDR paddles and headset

A traditional EMDR Kit includes a set of right and left-handed pulsators which I like to call “pulsating paddles,” a headset and the control device. The headset goes on first, then a pulsator is placed in each hand. They are color-coded so that the correct pulsator is placed in the correct hand. Keep in mind, these will be stimulating the right and left sides of the brain, so it’s important that the correct pulsator is placed in the correct hand. They are used to create bilateral stimulation. The therapist will let you know if the pulsator is in the wrong hand.

The Light Bar

Many EMDR therapists also use a light bar. I’ve never used one in any of my sessions. And quite frankly, I don’t want to. I don’t like the idea of staring at a light. My eyes are often fatigued from too much time looking at my computer monitor. So I enjoy keeping my eyes closed during my EMDR therapy sessions. That’s not to say that I don’t occasionally open them, Oh I do. I open them to look at my therapist when I feel the need for validation or to get grounded if I feel like I’m in too deep and want to step back into the present. I’ll address this in a blog post at some point.

In this video you’ll see a fast-moving light that that simulates the light bar. I really like the bilateral audio music that accompanies it.

This video is an example of light therapy in combination with audio that I don’t like at all. It’s nothing like the EMDR I experience in the sessions with my therapist. But who knows? With almost a million views, obviously people like it!

Whichever components are used for your EMDR session, they can all be controlled independently, providing the best experience for each user.

Apps and video

Wireless EMDR sets are available for purchase and can be used through a variety of Apps. I’ve used a few bilateral stimulation apps at home before a big presentation. Or when I’m about to go into a negotiation. I also like to use an app before talking to someone I know is a manipulator or a narcissist. Basically anytime I want to clear negative chatter in my head.

Alternatively, there are several bilateral stimulation videos available on YouTube that you can check out. This is the link to my favorite bilateral stimulation on YouTube.

Self Tapping

My therapist has taught me to “self tap,” so that if I find myself being triggered by something or someone from my past, I can stop what I’m doing and use my own two fingers to tap on my knees. Self-tapping should alternate on each knee to simulate the paddles and headphones. This induces the familiar pulsations. To self tap, all you do is place two fingers on each knee and tap your knees alternating the tap on each knee. It’s a very quick (and economical) way to quickly reduce anxiety when it hits you unexpectedly.

EMDR also feels calming because I’m in a cozy room with a therapist I trust. This is my EMDR therapist and I adore her.