EMDR Feels Too Much!

EMDR Feels Too Much? Why Brainspotting Might Be the Better Choice

For many people, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be a powerful therapy. But sometimes, it feels like too much. You might feel flooded with emotions, unable to slow down, or even leave a session feeling more activated than when you started.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. EMDR works quickly, but for some nervous systems, the pace can feel overwhelming. The constant stimulation of eye movements can stir up more than your body is ready to process.

This is where Brainspotting can offer a gentler, safer path.

Unlike EMDR, Brainspotting doesn’t rely on rapid eye movements. Instead, you and your therapist gently find a “brainspot”—a position of the eyes connected to where the body holds a memory or emotion. Once found, you simply stay with it. There’s no rush, no pushing, no need to keep talking. Your body leads the healing at its own pace.

Many clients say Brainspotting feels slower, safer, and more attuned than EMDR. You’re not being forced through the experience — you’re given space to let your brain and body process what’s ready, and only what’s ready.

And if you ever feel sleepy, foggy, or disconnected during a session, that’s not a failure. It’s actually your nervous system showing you where it gets overwhelmed. With Brainspotting, even these subtle states become valuable doorways into healing.

Who May Struggle with EMDR and Why

Some people find EMDR challenging because it moves quickly and follows a structured protocol. This can be overwhelming, especially for those who:

Highly Dissociative Individuals – EMDR can trigger emotional flooding or feeling “checked out.”

People Who Feel Unsafe in Their Body – Intense body sensations may arise before grounding is established.

Analytical or Highly Verbal Clients – EMDR bypasses conscious discussion, which can feel frustrating for those who want to process verbally.

Clients Seeking Gentle, Relational Healing – EMDR can feel procedural, lacking warmth and attunement.

People with Complex Trauma / CPTSD – Rapid processing without established safety can be destabilizing.

Why Brainspotting May Be Better

Brainspotting offers a gentler, more attuned alternative:

Pace: Slower, following the body’s natural readiness, reducing overwhelm.

Safety: Focuses on co-regulation and nervous system support, making it suitable for highly dissociative or traumatized clients.

Body Integration: Body-based awareness (Bodyspotting) ensures sensations are processed safely.

Relational & Gentle: Sessions are supportive and relational, honoring the client’s experience rather than rushing them through a protocol.

Verbal Flexibility: Clients can talk as much or as little as they need, making it ideal for analytical or verbal individuals.

In short, Brainspotting meets people where they are—physically, emotionally, and neurologically—making it safer and more effective for those who find EMDR overwhelming.

Diana’s Approach to Brainspotting

As a trained Brainspotting practitioner and somatic coach, Diana creates a safe, supportive space where your body and brain can finally let go. She integrates Bodyspotting to work with sensations in the body and provides gentle guidance to help your nervous system process trauma at its own pace.

If EMDR has ever felt like too much, know that gentler, more attuned options exist. Brainspotting allows your brain and body to process trauma safely, effectively, and in a way that feels supportive and empowering.