Our Body and Brain Has an Intention to Heal – Using Neurofeedback and EMDR Therapy to Recover from PTSD
Our bodies and brains have an innate capacity to heal. Our physiology is designed to recover from physical injury and emotional stress and naturally return to balance.
A simple example of this is when we cut our finger. We don’t have to consciously tell our body to heal—the process happens automatically. Another powerful way our brains heal is through sleep. During REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the brain processes the day’s experiences, allowing us to wake up feeling more settled, less stressed, or with a new perspective. This is the brain’s natural healing mechanism at work.
However, there are times when the body and brain are unable to fully recover from a stressor without support. Trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress can disrupt the nervous system—particularly the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord and plays a critical role in regulating emotional and physical responses to stress.
When the nervous system becomes overwhelmed, therapies such as Neurofeedback and EMDR therapy can help “jump-start” the brain’s natural healing response. These therapies are natural and non-invasive and are designed to help individuals move beyond survival mode and toward genuine healing and resilience.
How Neurofeedback Supports Healing
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that provides real-time information to the brain, helping it recognize and correct dysregulated patterns. Chronic stress and trauma can alter brainwave activity, leaving individuals stuck in cycles of anxiety, hypervigilance, rumination, depression, or emotional shutdown.
Neurofeedback works much like holding up a mirror to the brain—allowing it to see what it is doing and self-correct. Over time, this can help calm an overactive nervous system or activate an under-responsive one. Clients often report feeling calmer, clearer, more emotionally regulated, and less “stuck” in intrusive thoughts or emotional loops.
How EMDR Therapy Works
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy specifically designed to help people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help the brain process traumatic memories.
EMDR works with how memories are stored in the brain. Traumatic memories often remain unprocessed, carrying vivid images, negative beliefs, intense emotions, and physical sensations. EMDR helps process these elements so the memory no longer triggers the nervous system in the present.
As traumatic memories are processed, individuals often experience reduced emotional reactivity, improved sleep, fewer nightmares, increased self-esteem, reduced shame, and a greater sense of connection with themselves and others.
Why Combining Neurofeedback and EMDR Is So Effective
Neurofeedback has been used since the 1970s, and EMDR therapy since the mid-1980s. As neuroscience continues to advance, research increasingly supports the effectiveness of both approaches—especially when used together.
Combining Neurofeedback and EMDR therapy can be a powerful and life-changing approach for individuals struggling with PTSD and chronic stress. This combination can be especially helpful for those who have not responded fully to traditional talk therapy or medication.
LENS Neurofeedback (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) can be delivered in very short intervals—sometimes just seconds—making it possible to integrate Neurofeedback and EMDR within the same session. LENS helps calm and regulate the nervous system, allowing clients to stay within their window of tolerance and engage more effectively in trauma processing.
Neurofeedback and EMDR can also be provided in separate sessions, depending on individual needs and treatment goals.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about how LENS Neurofeedback and EMDR therapy can support healing from trauma and chronic stress, please
click here
or call 360-521-4500 to schedule a free 10-minute inquiry call.
Vancouver EMDR Therapy PLLC
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