The Art of Self-EMDR Writing: Clear, Creative Strategies to Process Memories, Write Your Story, and Transform Past Pain into Your Personal Power

You’ve always wanted to write your life story—but something keeps getting in the way. Maybe the memories feel too painful. Maybe the words don’t come. Maybe you’re afraid of what you’ll uncover—or what you won’t be able to let go.You've thought about trying EMDR therapy—but you can't find a therapist, you feel intimidated or skeptical, or you simply can't afford to pay for sessions right now. In The Art of self-EMDR Writing, psychologist, EMDR therapist, and author, Deborah Cox, offers a powerful, trauma-informed method for writing your story in a way that creates learning and calming as you go. Combining the principles of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with creative, guided writing practices, this book gives you the tools to reprocess the past, find your story, and transform pain into personal power. Maybe you don't think you can write . . . or you believe it's impossible for you to feel hopeful, connected, joyful, organized, or in charge of your life again. The Art of Self-EMDR Writing brings you focused awareness through both pen-and-paper exercises and guided bilateral stimulation (self-EMDR) methods that promote your nervous system's ability to sort through the frightening, shameful, or heartbreaking elements of your life in a new way. Through this deeply creative life-writing exploration, you can develop self-compassion, see yourself differently, and find the meanings embedded in your lived experience. Adding self-EMDR recruits your body's participation in healing, moving forward, owning your strengths, and aiming your thoughts in new directions.This is more than journaling. It's more than acknowledging emotions. It’s a structured, compassionate, and literary approach designed for people who want clarity, soothing, and perspective on their unique and engaging story—without getting overwhelmed in the process. You’ll learn how ✔ Gently revisit and write painful memories using writing prompts designed for memoir writers✔ Bypass internal resistance with brain-based techniques and creative strategies✔ Safely write the story you’ve always wanted to tell—without retraumatization✔ Use EMDR-based techniques to process memories and gain a deeper understanding of your life story✔ Reclaim your narrative, your strength, and your emotional freedom Whether you’re a therapist yourself, a client in therapy, on a solo healing journey, or simply ready to stop carrying the weight of your untold story, this book offers a clear, empowering way to begin. Writing can heal. Self-EMDR can rewire. Reclaiming your story can set you free.