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How EMDR Can Help Chronic Pain: A Mind-Body Approach to Relief


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Living with chronic pain can feel like being trapped in your own body. You’ve tried medications, physical therapy, diets, and maybe even surgeries, yet the pain lingers. What if the root of your pain isn’t just physical, but neurological and emotional too?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is traditionally known for treating PTSD, but more and more research, and client success stories, show it can be remarkably effective for chronic pain. As a therapist specializing in chronic pain and illness, I’ve seen firsthand how EMDR can help rewire the brain’s response to pain, offering real, lasting relief.


What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It uses bilateral stimulation(such as eye movements or tapping) to help process and rewire how the brain stores distressing experiences.

In chronic pain, the brain often gets stuck in a loop, over-responding to pain signals and interpreting them as danger. EMDR helps disrupt that loop.


How EMDR Helps Chronic Pain


1. Addresses Trauma That Amplifies Pain

Many people with chronic pain have a history of medical trauma, early life stress, accidents, or unresolved emotional pain. Even if you don’t think of yourself as having “trauma,” your nervous system may be holding onto stress that shows up as physical symptoms.

EMDR helps:

  • Desensitize the fear and anxiety linked to pain

  • Process stored trauma that keeps the nervous system in a hyperactive state

  • Rewire brain-pain associations that amplify discomfort


2. Interrupts the Pain Loop in the Brain

When pain becomes chronic, the brain essentially gets better at producing it. This is called central sensitization. EMDR works by calming the amygdala (your brain’s alarm system), reducing fight-flight-freeze responses, and restoring a sense of safety in your body.

By targeting the emotional memory networks tied to pain, EMDR can lower pain perception and improve physical functioning.


3. Rebuilds a Healthier Relationship With Your Body

Chronic pain often leads to disconnection from the body, we stop trusting it, fearing it, or even dissociating from it. EMDR helps clients:

  • Reconnect with their body in a safe way

  • Identify and release shame or guilt tied to illness

  • Learn how to respond to pain cues with compassion instead of fear


What Does an EMDR Session for Pain Look Like?

As a chronic pain specialist, I tailor EMDR to your specific symptoms and history. Here’s what that might include:

  • Resourcing: We begin by creating internal safety through grounding tools and nervous system regulation.

  • Targeting pain memories: We identify past experiences that may be fueling the pain response.

  • Bilateral stimulation: This could include guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones while you process the memory.

  • Body scanning: We pay attention to physical sensations and emotional shifts during the session to track healing in real-time.


Who Is EMDR for?

EMDR is especially helpful for chronic pain conditions like:

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Migraines

  • Pelvic pain

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  • Post-surgical pain

  • Neuropathic pain

  • Autoimmune-related pain (Lupus, Crohn’s, etc.)

It’s also a great option if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like your pain has an emotional or trauma-based component.


Real Healing Is Possible

Chronic pain isn’t just in your head, but your brain does play a powerful role in how pain is felt and processed. EMDR offers a non-invasive, research-supported way to change that narrative.

You don’t need to live in fear of your body.


Want to Learn More About EMDR for Chronic Pain?

If you're curious about how EMDR can support your healing journey, I offer free consultations and in person or virtual therapy sessions for those living with chronic pain or chronic illness, just click below!.


 
 
 

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