What is EMDR really like when you’re the person sitting in the chair?

In this episode of Ask the Tactical Trio, we’re talking about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) from a perspective you don’t always hear: lived experience.

Rather than giving you a clinical lecture on how EMDR works, Becky and Traci share what it was actually like to experience EMDR themselves—and their experiences were very different.

Becky sought EMDR after a traumatic first-responder incident and describes a significant change in how she experienced the memory, her physical responses, and her ability to return to situations that could have triggered those memories. She shares what surprised her about the process, what happened with physical tension in her neck, and what it was like to return to CPR training afterward.

Traci shares a different perspective. After experiencing trauma during her military service and later developing symptoms that affected her life at home, she tried EMDR more than once. Her experience wasn't the dramatic success story she had hoped for—and that's an important story to tell, too.

We talk honestly about:

• What it feels like to actually go through an EMDR session
• Why you don't necessarily have to repeatedly talk through the details of a traumatic event
• Eye movements, tapping, sound, and other bilateral stimulation
• The connection between trauma, the nervous system, and physical sensations
• EMDR may help one person but not another
• The importance of finding a clinician you trust
• What happens when a treatment doesn't work the way you expected
• Why one therapy or treatment doesn't have to be the answer for everyone
• Mental health and trauma treatment for police, military, firefighters, and other first responders

Most importantly, this conversation is about removing some of the mystery—and some of the stigma—around asking for help after trauma.

If you've ever wondered what EMDR is actually like, are considering EMDR for yourself, or work with first responders and want to better understand their experiences with trauma treatment, this episode is for you.

Real questions. Real experience. Real tactical wellness.

Remember to submit your questions to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com!

This episode reflects personal experiences and is intended for education and conversation, not individual mental health advice. EMDR should be provided by an appropriately trained professional.

Support the show