Healing Trauma with the Power of EMDR and Polyvagal Theory

You may wonder how different therapies and approaches work together— one of my favorite combinations is EMDR and Polyvagal Theory. Both are powerful on their own but used together, they are a powerhouse. At Rooted Compassion, we work through the polyvagal lens, and help you create awareness about and understand why our nervous system reacts the way it does—why we might shut down, get anxious, or feel constantly on edge. It shows us that these reactions aren’t random—they’re the body’s way of trying to protect us.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps process painful or overwhelming memories. It uses eye movements or tapping to help your brain and body let go of stuck trauma responses and form healthier ways of thinking and feeling.

So how do they work together?

We use the Polyvagal lens to help you feel safe and regulated before and during EMDR sessions. This might look like grounding exercises, gentle movement, breathwork, or just building strong therapeutic connection. When your nervous system feels safe, EMDR is more effective—and less overwhelming.

And here’s the beauty of it, as EMDR helps you process past trauma, your nervous system naturally starts to shift out of survival mode. You may begin to feel more calm, connected, and present in your daily life. That’s the Polyvagal magic—helping the body move back toward safety and connection.

At the heart of it, both approaches are about trusting the body, honoring your pace, and creating space for healing.

If you’re curious about EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, or how they can support your healing, we’d love to talk. Reach out anytime.