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EMDR therapy: trauma, memory & healing

Wondering what EMDR means or what happens in this kind of therapy? EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. These conversations introduce the approach, the questions people bring to trauma therapy, and the importance of a trained professional. Begin with Brian Gong for the most focused introduction, then explore the different perspectives below.

Conversations hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS.

A little context before you listen

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR is a psychotherapy used to treat PTSD. It involves working with distressing memories while attending to alternating movement or sound. Assessment, preparation, and a trained clinician are part of the treatment; watching an exercise online is not equivalent to receiving EMDR therapy.

Learn more: VA National Center for PTSD: EMDR.

Which episode explains EMDR and the Flash Technique?

Start with Episode 60 for EMDR, trauma, addiction, and shame. Episode 6 discusses both EMDR and the Flash Technique. They are distinct approaches discussed in the interview, so listen for how the guest explains each.

Where would you like to begin?

Episode 60

Start here: what EMDR is and how clinicians approach trauma

Brian Gong, LMHC, discusses EMDR, shame, addiction, preparation for trauma work, and questions to ask when choosing a therapist. This is the archive’s most focused introduction to EMDR and the context around using it.

Original episode: Healing Trauma at the Root: EMDR, Addiction, and Shame with Brian Gong, LMHC

Listen to the episode →Read the transcript

Episode 6

EMDR, the Flash Technique, and cultural trust

Marcken Volmy, LMHC, introduces EMDR and the Flash Technique alongside his work with trauma and BIPOC mental wellness. Diana and Marcken also discuss how lived experience and trust influence the therapy conversation.

Original episode: Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Marcken Volmy, LMHC and Trauma Stories Author. Insights on BIPOC Mental Wellness, EMDR, Flash Technique, and Healing cPTSD

Listen to the episode →Read the transcript

Episode 53

EMDR within a conversation about faith and identity

Kayla Roberts, LMHC, BCCC, discusses EMDR, IFS, attachment, and Christian identity. Choose this interview if you want to hear how one clinician describes integrating trauma work with a client’s faith and cultural background.

Original episode: Faith-Based Trauma Healing: Rediscover Your Identity in Christ with Kayla Roberts, LMHC, BCCC

Listen to the episode →Read the transcript

Questions to take with you

  • What training and experience would I want to ask an EMDR clinician about?
  • How would a therapist assess readiness, explain the process, and respond if I became overwhelmed?

These prompts are invitations to reflect, not a screening tool or a diagnosis.

Keep exploring the archive

The following episodes also mention EMDR or the Flash Technique in their titles, show notes, or available transcripts. Some mentions are brief. They are additional places to explore after the featured interviews.

Browse 37 more episodes mentioning this topic

Search the archive for EMDR →