First responders like police officers, firefighters, and EMTs have tough jobs. Every day, they see and experience things that can be hard to forget. Imagine carrying memories from stressful calls or scary events with you all the time. Over time, those memories might start to affect how you feel, think, or even act. If you or someone you care about works as a first responder, you might wonder how therapy can help. Today, we want to share about EMDR Therapy for First Responders and why it can make such a difference.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It might sound complicated, but Jennifer in the When The Call Hits Home podcast breaks it down simply: EMDR is a type of therapy that helps your brain process hard experiences in a new way, so they don’t hurt as much.

EMDR tries to help your brain do what it naturally does when you sleep, especially during something called REM sleep. During REM sleep, your eyes move back and forth, and your brain sorts out memories from the day. But sometimes, after tough experiences, especially for first responders who rarely get restful sleep, your brain can get “stuck” on a bad memory.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

Instead of just talking, EMDR Therapy for First Responders uses different techniques to help the brain heal itself. This might include:

• Moving your eyes back and forth, like in REM sleep

• Holding small, vibrating devices called “tappers” in each hand (they buzz back and forth)

• Listening to sounds in one ear, then the other

• Tapping your arms or legs in turns

While you do these activities, the therapist will ask you to think about a hard memory, notice how your body feels, and pay attention to your thoughts or emotions. Allowing you to finish processing the traumatic event.  

Why is EMDR a Good Fit for First Responders?

According to Ashlee and Jennifer, EMDR Therapy for First Responders works well because:

• It’s not all talk: Some first responders don’t want to sit and talk about feelings all day. EMDR gives them another way to work through things, using body sensations and eye movements.

• It’s structured: First responders often like routines and steps. EMDR has clear guidelines so they know what to expect.

• It makes sense for trauma: The work first responders do often leaves them with memories or reactions they can’t “shake.” EMDR helps by going straight to the part of the brain that’s “stuck” after tough calls or traumatic events.

What Can You Expect from EMDR Therapy?

Jennifer shares that EMDR Therapy for First Responders isn’t a “magic bullet,” but it can speed up healing compared to talk therapy. Still, it’s important to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. Some sessions might feel intense, but they can also bring real relief. Even if a memory feels overwhelming at first, EMDR can help it become easier to handle over time.

Everyone is different, so some people might talk more while others use more EMDR techniques. What matters most is that you feel supported and find what works for you.

Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?

If you or someone you know is a first responder dealing with stress, trauma, or hard memories, EMDR Therapy might be a helpful option. It doesn’t mean reliving every detail or sharing more than you want. Instead, it helps your brain and body leave the past behind, so you can move forward.

If you’re interested, talk to a licensed therapist who is trained in EMDR. And remember, as Jennifer and Ashlee say, there are many ways to get help -EMDR is just one tool in the toolbox.

Want to learn more? Search for trusted sources about EMDR therapy, or listen to the When The Call Hits Home podcast for more episodes on first responder wellness!

If you want to hear more real stories from people inside the world of first responders, check out “When The Call Hits Home” podcast!

Click on these links, if you would like to explore our resources page or other episodes