Debra Wesselmann says EMDR can help people heal from trauma

Trauma therapist Debra Wesselmann says EMDR therapy can help people process painful memories and rebuild a healthier sense of self, including those with severe trauma histories. The message: healing can begin at any stage, and treatment does not require reliving every detail of what happened.

Why it matters: - Traumatic experiences can shape how people see themselves, their relationships and the world long after the event ends. - Wesselmann says evidence-based care like EMDR therapy can help reduce distress and support resilience, self-compassion and hope. - The approach may broaden access for people who avoid trauma treatment because they fear having to retell every painful detail.

What happened: - Trauma therapist and author Debra Wesselmann said EMDR therapy can help people begin healing from trauma at any stage, including after severe experiences. - Wesselmann made the case in Los Angeles on July 13, 2026. - Wesselmann is available for interviews.

The details: - EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. - EMDR is a structured psychotherapy approach that uses standardized procedures and bilateral stimulation. - Bilateral stimulation can include guided eye movements, tactile methods or audio stimulation. - Wesselmann said trauma can leave people carrying shame, guilt, anxiety and negative beliefs long after an event has ended. - Wesselmann said unresolved trauma can remain emotionally active and affect thoughts, behavior, relationships and beliefs about the self and the world. - EMDR can help support the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate distressing experiences. - EMDR allows people to work through memories while focusing on the emotions, thoughts and physical responses tied to those memories. - Trauma can stem from childhood experiences, major life events, loss, accidents, abuse or other overwhelming circumstances. - Wesselmann said healing is not about erasing what happened, but about helping people reclaim safety, strength and possibility. - Wesselmann is a trauma therapist, author and EMDR trainer with more than three decades of experience helping children, adults, couples and families. - Wesselmann is a cofounder of the Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska, an EMDR Institute facilitator and an EMDRIA-approved consultant. - Wesselmann co-authored EMDR and Attachment-Focused Trauma Therapy for Adults: Reclaiming Authentic Self and Healthy Attachments. - Wesselmann also contributed to EMDR and Family Therapy: Integrative Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children. - More information is available here.

Between the lines: - The core message is that trauma recovery does not have to depend on repeated verbal retelling of events. - That framing may make EMDR more approachable for people who want a structured path to treatment without full narrative exposure. - The emphasis on attachment and family systems suggests Wesselmann sees trauma treatment as broader than symptom relief alone.

What's next: - Wesselmann is available to discuss EMDR therapy and trauma recovery in interviews. - People seeking more information can visit Wesselmann’s website. - The broader push behind the message is more awareness of trauma-informed, evidence-based care for people at different stages of recovery.