If you’ve started EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, you might be wondering: Why does this feel harder before it feels better? You’re not alone. EMDR is an incredibly effective therapy for processing trauma, but it can stir up a lot of emotions before you start feeling relief. This is totally normal—and a sign that your brain is doing the deep work of healing. Let’s explore why EMDR can feel uncomfortable at first and how to navigate the challenges that come with it.

Life can be tough. We all go through experiences that shake us—some big, some small, but all capable of leaving lasting marks on our hearts and minds. Maybe it’s a painful breakup that still stings, childhood experiences that shaped how you see yourself, or a major traumatic event that you can’t seem to move past. If you’ve ever felt stuck in painful memories or overwhelmed by emotions you don’t fully understand, you’re not alone. Healing is possible, and one therapy that has helped many people find peace is EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.