EMDR or Truma-Informed Therapy

When you’re looking for help to heal from painful life experiences, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which kind of therapy is right for you. Two powerful approaches you might come across are EMDR therapy and trauma-informed therapy. Although they have some aspects in common, these are different approaches to healing. Understanding how each one works can help you make the best choice for your healing journey, especially if you're looking for support with Complex PTSD treatment or childhood trauma.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a special type of therapy designed to help people heal from distressing memories and trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR therapy doesn’t require you to explain every painful memory in detail. Instead, it allows your brain to work through these memories in a way that may make them feel less upsetting.

During an EMDR therapy session, your therapist will guide you through sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps while you think about a specific memory. These movements help your brain make new connections, similar to how your brain processes experiences during REM sleep. Over time, the memory loses its emotional charge, and you start to feel more at peace.

Many people find EMDR especially helpful for:

• PTSD

• Complex PTSD treatment

• Phobias

• Anxiety

• Grief and loss

EMDR has been well-researched and is recommended by many mental health organizations around the world for trauma recovery.

What is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy isn’t a specific technique like EMDR. Instead, it's an approach that shapes how therapy is offered. In trauma-informed therapy, the therapist understands that trauma affects how people view the world, themselves, and their relationships.

A trauma-informed therapist focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment. They recognize that certain experiences, even during therapy itself, can feel overwhelming or triggering. They work with you gently, allowing you to set the pace of your healing.

Trauma-informed therapy often includes techniques from other types of therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, or somatic (body-based) therapy. The most important thing is that the therapist sees the whole person — not just the trauma — and helps you rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment.

Trauma Informed Therapy is helpful for people experiencing:

• Childhood trauma

• Emotional abuse

• Neglect

• Long-term relational trauma

• Complex trauma

• PTSD

How Are They Different?

While both EMDR and trauma-informed therapy help people recover from trauma, they have different styles and goals.

• EMDR is more structured and focused on specific memories.  

• Trauma-informed therapy focuses more on the overall experience of the person, not just the memories.

You can think of it this way: EMDR helps you directly heal specific wounds, while trauma-informed therapy helps you build a stronger, safer foundation for your emotional life.

Which One is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people benefit greatly from EMDR and feel relief after just a few sessions. Others may need the safety and slower pace of trauma-informed therapy first, especially if they have a long history of childhood trauma or are dealing with Complex PTSD treatment.

In fact, some therapists combine the two approaches. They might use trauma-informed care to establish trust and emotional skills first, and then move into EMDR once you feel ready to process deeper memories.

Final Thoughts

Healing from trauma is powerful process. Whether you choose EMDR therapy, trauma-informed therapy, or a blend of both, what matters most is finding a therapist you trust and feel safe with. While traumatic experiences affect your present, they don’t have to control your future. With the right support, healing is possible.