Healing the Unspoken: How EMDR Therapy Helps Process Unresolved Trauma Memories
In my practice here in Pasadena, CA, nestled beneath the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounded by the energy of a diverse, creative community, I have the privilege of walking alongside clients as they bravely confront the effects of unresolved trauma. Over the years, one approach has consistently helped people shift from surviving to thriving — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, more commonly known as EMDR therapy.
As a trauma therapist, I have witnessed EMDR’s capacity to help people process the very memories that have haunted them for years — sometimes decades — freeing them from patterns of fear, shame, and emotional numbness. If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in a cycle of emotional pain despite your best efforts, you are not alone. Unresolved trauma can quietly shape how we think, feel, and behave, often beyond our conscious awareness. EMDR offers a unique way to access and heal these deeply stored memories.
Trauma Lives in the Body and the Mind
It’s important to first understand what makes trauma so complex. Trauma is not just what happened to you — it is also how your body and nervous system responded to the event. When trauma is unresolved, the brain stores these memories improperly. Unlike typical memories, which fade or soften over time, traumatic memories often remain vivid and emotionally charged as if they happened yesterday.
For many clients I see here in Pasadena, the trauma may stem from childhood neglect, abuse, loss of a loved one, or even seemingly “smaller” incidents that left a lasting impact. Some clients arrive saying, “But nothing that bad ever happened to me — why do I feel this way?” The truth is, the body remembers, even if the mind tries to forget or minimize the experience.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is a powerful therapeutic process that helps clients reprocess these stuck memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR taps into the brain’s natural healing mechanisms. Through bilateral stimulation — often in the form of guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds — EMDR allows clients to safely access and process traumatic memories.
When clients first hear about EMDR, they sometimes think it sounds a bit unusual, especially the part about moving their eyes back and forth. But I always tell them this: EMDR is grounded in neuroscience. Just as our brains automatically heal physical wounds like cuts and bruises, they also have the capacity to heal emotional wounds. EMDR simply helps activate this healing process.
What Happens During EMDR Therapy?
In EMDR, we begin by ensuring clients have the tools they need to feel grounded and safe. This is especially important when working with trauma. We build up coping strategies before ever approaching the painful memories. Once clients are ready, we gently target specific memories or themes that continue to cause distress.
During bilateral stimulation, clients briefly revisit the memory — not to relive it, but to reprocess it. Over time, the memory becomes less vivid, less emotionally charged, and less disruptive. Clients often describe a shift in perspective. Where they once felt overwhelming shame, they may now feel compassion for their younger selves. Where they once experienced intense fear, they may now feel empowered and resilient.
Why EMDR Is Effective for Unresolved Trauma
In my experience, EMDR has distinct advantages, especially for those carrying unresolved trauma:
1. It works beyond words — Many trauma survivors struggle to articulate their experiences. EMDR doesn’t require clients to recount every detail of the trauma verbally. Instead, it works directly with the body’s and brain’s stored information.
2. It reduces emotional intensity — Clients frequently report that memories that once felt unbearable now feel more distant and manageable.
3. It helps uncover core beliefs — EMDR often reveals deeply held beliefs formed during traumatic events (e.g., “I’m not safe,” “I’m not good enough”). Through reprocessing, clients can adopt healthier, more compassionate beliefs about themselves.
4. It’s trauma-informed — EMDR is structured in a way that prioritizes client safety and empowerment, making it especially helpful for those with complex or developmental trauma.
5. It facilitates lasting change — Unlike strategies that simply manage symptoms, EMDR addresses the root of the problem, leading to more lasting healing.
EMDR Therapy in Pasadena — A Unique Setting for Healing
Pasadena is more than just where I work; it’s part of the healing journey for many of my clients. The quiet neighborhoods, the gardens, the mountains, and the creative energy of this city create a supportive backdrop for personal transformation. Many of my clients incorporate walks through the Arroyo Seco, hikes in Eaton Canyon, or visits to the Huntington Gardens into their healing routines. EMDR doesn’t happen in isolation — it becomes part of a broader life of healing, grounding, and reclaiming peace.
Real Stories of Change
One client, whom I’ll call “A,” came to me after years of trying different therapies. They had difficulty connecting with others, carried intense self-doubt, and were easily triggered by seemingly unrelated situations. Through EMDR, A was able to identify early memories of neglect that had shaped their entire sense of self. Over time, A shifted from feeling “broken” to recognizing themselves as resilient and capable of forming safe, loving connections.
This is not an uncommon story. I have had the honor of witnessing clients step into versions of themselves they never thought possible — not by forgetting their past, but by finally integrating it.
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
If you’re wondering whether EMDR might help you, I encourage you to reach out to a trained EMDR therapist. Not every approach fits every person, but EMDR has become a cornerstone of trauma healing for a reason. It meets clients where they are — whether they feel emotionally shut down, overwhelmed, or stuck — and gently guides them toward healing.
As a therapist serving the Pasadena community, I remain committed to helping clients access this remarkable tool. Healing is not about erasing the past, but about transforming how it lives within you. EMDR allows you to do just that.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey? Start Working with An EMDR Therapist in Pasadena, CA
If you’re considering EMDR therapy and want to explore whether it’s a good fit for you, I’d be honored to help. Whether you’re carrying childhood wounds, past relationship pain, or traumatic experiences you can’t quite put into words, healing is possible. My office in Pasadena offers a calm, supportive space where you can safely begin this work. Reach out today to schedule a consultation or learn more about EMDR therapy by following these simple steps:
Schedule a free, 15-minute consultation to see if EMDR Therapy is right for you
Begin meeting with Thomas Blake, skilled EMDR Therapist
Start your healing journey and find lasting relief!
Other Services Offered at Thomas Blake Therapy
At Thomas Blake Therapy, I understand that you may be struggling to overcome more than one issue. So, in addition to EMDR Therapy, I’m happy to also offer LGBTQ Affirming Therapy to support and advocate for the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, Narrative Therapy where I will work collaboratively with you to dissect the problematic story of your life and reshape that dialogue, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to accelerate healing in patients who have struggled to heal from chronic emotional pain due to treatment resistance. If any of these services resonate with you, please reach out. My online therapy services are offered in California and New Jersey. For more about me and my services, check out my Bio and Blog today!
