Some memories cast a long shadow, making it feel like you’re living in a fog. They can shape your beliefs, convincing you that you’re unsafe or that the past is destined to repeat itself. As a therapist, I’ve seen how these unresolved experiences can hold people captive. But I’ve also witnessed a powerful way to turn the page: EMDR Therapy.
My name is Ashley Morris, and I’m an EMDR-certified therapist. I want to share my perspective on this transformative approach to healing. It offers a gentle yet profound path to move through stuck points, not by erasing the past, but by freeing you from its weight.
From a Life in the Fog to "I Can Handle It"
When I think about the transformations I’ve witnessed, I often recall a client in her twenties who described her life as “living in a fog.” She carried a deep-seated belief from her childhood: “I cannot trust anyone.” This core belief colored her world, leaving her convinced that people were always mad at her. It all stemmed from a painful, vivid memory of a trip with her mother where she felt deeply rejected.
For years, that single memory served as proof that she was unlovable. Through our work during her first EMDR therapy session, something began to shift. As she processed that memory, a powerful insight surfaced. "I shut people out just like my mother did," she realized. In that moment, she saw that her own protective shell was a reflection of the very pattern that had hurt her.
Then, something beautiful happened. The rest of the memory, long blocked out, returned. That same trip also led to a special tradition she and her mother shared. The memory wasn’t just about pain; it also held warmth and a sense of connection. With this fuller picture, she had a profound understanding: her mom didn't hate her; her mom hated motherhood.
This insight lifted an immense weight. After trying other treatments without success, she was amazed that EMDR worked, and so rapidly. She began to notice small but meaningful changes, like successfully batch-cooking, an activity she once believed she simply “couldn’t do.” The memories that once haunted her became “just a snapshot of life.” Her new, deeply felt belief became, "I can handle it."
What Is Happening in Your Brain During EMDR?
When we go through something overwhelming, the brain doesn't always get to fully process it. The sensations, emotions, and thoughts from that moment can get stuck, almost like a snapshot frozen in time. Years later, your nervous system can still react as if the danger is happening right now.
I explain it to my clients like this: Every night during REM sleep, your brain works to process the day. It has a natural drive to heal itself. Sometimes, it just needs a little support to finish the job. That’s what EMDR does.
We use bilateral stimulation—like eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to mimic what happens naturally during REM sleep. This process helps create just enough distance from the memory so you can look at it without being completely overwhelmed. As this happens, your brain begins to form new connections, linking the old, stuck memory with all the resources you possess today: your wisdom, your resilience, and your current safety.
The memory isn’t erased. Instead, it moves from feeling like a present-day threat to being recognized as a past event. Clients often tell me about the surprising shifts they experience. Forgotten details might surface, or new, empowering beliefs emerge. Many feel a physical release of tension in their bodies. One of the most beautiful outcomes is the compassion that blossoms for their younger selves. You can learn more about this process by reading about what an EMDR session entails.
If you feel stuck in old patterns and believe EMDR could help you find a new path, I invite you to take the next step. Book a session with me today and begin your journey toward healing.
A Safe Space to Begin Your Healing Journey
Starting any new therapy can feel nerve-wracking, especially when it involves exploring difficult memories. I want to assure you that our first session is all about creating a sense of calm and safety. We always go at your pace. There is no timeline, no pressure, and no "supposed to's."
Before we ever touch the deeper memories, we spend time building what I call a “calm place.” This is a space in your mind that feels grounding and comforting, a tool you can use anytime you feel overwhelmed, both in and out of our sessions. My goal is to help your nervous system feel supported and in control every step of the way.
I often hear the concern, "If I let my mind go there, it’s going to bring back anger I don’t want to feel again." I once gently asked a client who shared this fear, "What do you imagine would happen if your body actually processed that anger?" They paused and replied, "...I think I’d feel better."
That is the heart of this work. Anything that surfaces in EMDR isn't new pain. It's old pain finally getting the chance to move through you, releasing its hold.
Reconnecting with Your Body and Your Truest Self
EMDR is especially powerful for healing experiences that create a disconnect from our bodies, like sexual trauma. I’ve worked with many clients in sex therapy who carry deep shame, even when they intellectually know they are not to blame. EMDR helps bridge the gap between the mind and the body.
I have witnessed clients have profound moments of clarity in sessions, suddenly realizing with deep conviction, "I was just a kid," or "This really wasn't on me." As the blame and shame soften, they can begin to reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels safe again. They notice less tension, more presence, and a renewed capacity for intimacy without fear.
EMDR can help you reclaim the parts of yourself you thought were lost—your agency, your safety, and your desire. It illuminates the deep connection between your emotional well-being, your history, and your body, offering a path toward integrated, holistic healing.
Your story is not finished, and healing is within your reach. If you are ready to explore how EMDR can help you process the past and create a more expansive future, I am here to support you. Book a consultation with me to see if this path is right for you.