Eye Movements, Wild Dreams & Real Healing: EMDR Explained with Dana Carretta-Stein
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A deeper look at what EMDR is really doing inside your brain and nervous system
When people search for EMDR explained, they often land on technical descriptions or simplistic definitions that miss the heart of what EMDR actually is. In her guest appearance on the Unapologetically Crunchy podcast, Dana Carretta-Stein brought EMDR to life in a way that's clear, grounded, and deeply human.
This blog recaps Episode 21 and expands on the science, stabilizing strategies, and healing mechanisms behind EMDR therapy. You’ll find EMDR explained in a way that empowers both clients and clinicians.
Educational Core
How Dana first discovered EMDR before it was mainstream
When Dana entered the field in 2011, EMDR wasn’t widely taught. A mentor encouraged her to pursue the basic training, and the approach instantly clicked. Because she wasn’t yet married to one therapeutic orientation, EMDR became her foundation.
What resonated most was EMDR’s focus on what happened to you, not “what’s wrong with you.” That trauma-informed perspective ultimately shaped both her clinical work and the thriving group practice she leads today.
What is EMDR? The simplest accurate definition
If you want EMDR explained in the clearest, least clinical way:
EMDR helps your brain finish processing experiences that were too overwhelming to process when they first happened.
When the nervous system becomes flooded by distress, the memory gets “stuck” in its raw emotional state. Later, even harmless triggers can activate the same physiological response. EMDR helps the brain reach an optimal level of arousal, so that memory can finally integrate.
Why bilateral stimulation works
Eye movements. Tapping. Tactile buzzers. Auditory tones.
They all serve one purpose: to create dual awareness so the brain can safely revisit a memory without getting overwhelmed.
Modern research suggests that bilateral stimulation taxes working memory, lowering the emotional intensity of the target and allowing the brain to reprocess the experience in a regulated state.
It’s not hypnosis. It’s not woo. It’s neuroscience applied in real time.
Why EMDR is incredibly effective for children
Dana described child EMDR as “magical,” and for good reason:
Kids have fewer life experiences, so target plans are simpler.
They don’t overthink the narrative.
They connect with imagery and sensation naturally.
EMDR builds emotional regulation early, shaping a healthier trajectory.
Her practice includes highly skilled child EMDR therapists who use developmentally appropriate strategies, including parent involvement and play-based bilateral stimulation.
Neuroplasticity: EMDR explained through the brain’s natural ability to heal
One powerful moment from the interview:
You can rewire your brain until the day you die.
EMDR supports neuroplasticity by:
decreasing amygdala overactivation
restoring hippocampal engagement
shifting meaning and body-based responses
integrating previously fragmented experience
This is why EMDR so often feels like relief, clarity, and a return to yourself.
The wild dreams: Why EMDR amplifies dream activity
It’s one of the most Googled questions: “Why am I having such intense dreams after EMDR?”
The answer is simple and fascinating:
EMDR mimics REM sleep.
So after your session, your brain continues processing, sorting, and reorganizing information. Dreams become more vivid because your brain is still doing the work.
This is a normal, adaptive part of healing.
Practical Steps for Starting EMDR
Whether you're a therapy seeker or a clinician, here’s EMDR explained in terms of the practical process.
1. Define your goal for therapy
EMDR is structured. Knowing what you want to work toward shapes the entire protocol.
2. Expect a stabilization phase first
Before touching any trauma material, your therapist helps strengthen:
emotional regulation
somatic awareness
grounding strategies
internal resources
This prevents retraumatization and ensures safety.
3. Build your resource toolkit
Common tools include:
bilateral tapping or the butterfly hug
visualization
somatic grounding
breath pacing
nervous-system resets
These support you between sessions too.
4. Understand the three-pronged approach
EMDR always addresses:
Past memories
Present triggers
Future situations
You’re done only when all three are integrated.
5. Know that temporary discomfort doesn't mean it's not working
Feeling “stirred up” between sessions can be normal, as long as you remain stable. This is why Phase 2 resourcing is essential.
Listen to the Full Conversation on Unapologetically Crunchy
This blog was inspired by Dana’s guest appearance on the Unapologetically Crunchy podcast, where EMDR explained became a deep, honest, and highly relatable conversation about healing, neuroscience, parenting, and nervous system patterns.
Episode title: Eye Movements, Wild Dreams & Real Healing: EMDR Explained with Dana Carretta-Stein, The EMDR Coach Episode #: 21
Watch or listen here:
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Show them some love for hosting such a powerful, educational conversation.
Introducing Dana Carretta-Stein, LMHC, EMDRIA Consultant
Dana is a certified EMDR therapist, EMDRIA-approved consultant, founder of Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling, and the creator behind The EMDR Coach. She teaches therapists how to conceptualize EMDR through a trauma-informed, neuroscience-driven lens and supports clinicians navigating their most complex cases.
Further Learning & Resources
📚 Check out my blogs at The EMDR Coach, where I break down EMDR concepts, trauma education, and practical healing strategies you can start today.
The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal
The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal is a structured, client friendly tool that helps clients track their growth, deepen their understanding of EMDR, and stay engaged throughout the process. It also supports clinicians by offering vocabulary, prompts, and structure that reinforce the work happening in sessions.
If You Are Looking for Therapy Instead of Therapist Support
If you are reading this as someone seeking trauma informed therapy for yourself or a loved one, Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling (PLMHC) offers gentle, evidence based care for children, teens, and adults. Our clinicians specialize in EMDR, trauma recovery, anxiety, and emotional regulation. We provide in person sessions in Scarsdale and virtual sessions across NY, NJ, CT, and FL.
Our approach centers on safety, collaboration, and the belief that healing happens when you feel understood. Nothing is wrong with you. Something happened to you, and with the right support, healing is possible.
Read Relevant EMDR Coach Blogs
Here are three related posts to support your personal and professional growth:
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