EMDR for Trauma: How It Actually Works

In this episode of Trauma, Tea, and Tangents, Hannah Guy interviews licensed mental health counselor Kristina Spurlock about EMDR therapy, trauma processing, and evidence-based approaches to trauma healing. They explain how EMDR works, including its eight phases, bilateral stimulation, and how traumatic memories are stored and reprocessed in the brain. The conversation also explores adapting EMDR for complex trauma, neurodivergent clients, and high-stress populations like first responders. Additional topics include somatic therapy integration, parts work, therapeutic relationship dynamics, and creative EMDR techniques such as somatic interweaves. This episode is ideal for therapists, clinicians, and anyone interested in EMDR therapy, trauma recovery, and modern mental health approaches. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to EMDR and Therapist Dynamics 02:50 Understanding EMDR: Basics and Protocols 05:47 How Trauma Gets Stored in the Brain 08:28 The Flexibility and Adaptability of EMDR 11:12 What Clients Can Expect from EMDR 13:47 Integrating Other Modalities with EMDR 16:19 Empowering Clients in the Healing Process 19:50 EMDR Protocols and Clinical Adaptations 23:08 Creative Approaches in EMDR Therapy 26:48 The Evolution of EMDR Techniques 30:42 Why EMDR Works: The Science Behind It 35:29 Somatic Approaches and Interweaves 39:04 Advice for New EMDR Therapists   ✨ Want more of Kristina Spurlock? Find her here: Website: https://www.healthinsightcounseling.com/ Instagram: @healthinsightcounseling   ✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services? You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.com And don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices