In this interview with Polina, we discuss EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) — an evidence-based method for working with traumatic experiences that is especially effective for entrepreneurs.
What Is EMDR and Why It’s Not Magic
EMDR is a method rooted in neurophysiology. During REM sleep, our brain processes daily experiences, filing them away into memory. But when something overwhelming happens — a traumatic event — that “file” gets stuck in working memory. It won’t archive properly and keeps demanding attention.
EMDR harnesses the brain’s natural ability to process experience — but does it deliberately, under specialist supervision. We clear the “corrupted files,” freeing up space for clear thinking and effective decision-making.
Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs are used to solving everything with their minds. But when your “working memory” is cluttered with open windows — old grievances, fears, unprocessed conflicts — focusing on what matters becomes impossible.
Here’s what entrepreneurs most often come to me with:
- Income ceiling — I know what to do, but I’m not doing it
- Failed partnerships — the same scenario repeating over and over
- Procrastination — postponing important decisions
- Impulsivity — making emotional decisions, then regretting them
- Inability to delegate — trying to do everything myself
- Burnout — knowing I can do more, but having no energy
Often, all of this traces back to one traumatic childhood experience that shapes behavior patterns for life.
Trauma Doesn’t Take Away Strength — It Limits It
Many entrepreneurs fear working with trauma: “What if I lose my drive?” The truth is the opposite. EMDR doesn’t take away the strengths you’ve developed through your experiences. It removes the negative consequences — tunnel vision, background anxiety, compulsive behavior.
After therapy, people don’t become “lazy and content.” They become more effective and versatile — seeing more opportunities, making decisions from clarity rather than fear.
How the Process Works
- Assessment (1–2 sessions) — understanding what’s happening, identifying repeating patterns
- Finding the root trauma — through sensations and images, reaching the source
- EMDR processing — neutralizing the traumatic experience
- Installation — anchoring a new, healthy self-perception
- Integration — testing results in real-life situations
Typically, one traumatic story takes 1 to 3 EMDR sessions to process.
Self-Help Practice: Quick Anxiety Relief
A simple bilateral stimulation technique you can use right now:
- Think about what’s making you anxious
- Cross your arms over your chest (“butterfly hug”) and alternately tap your shoulders
- Continue until you feel relief
- Then slowly tell yourself: “I am safe. I can handle this”
- Continue slow tapping with this thought
This is a first-aid method — it helps in the moment, but for deeper work, it’s best to see a specialist.
If you’re an entrepreneur feeling like you’re losing the balance between work and life, like your potential is greater than what you’re currently achieving — that’s normal. And it’s something we can work with.