Finding Relief From Painful Memories: How IEMT Works
- susannah521
- Aug 23
- 2 min read
“It’s been decades. But every time I caught a whiff of that same aftershave, my body reacted before my brain could catch up—tight chest, sinking stomach, a flood of dread. It was like being pulled back into a chapter I never wanted to reread.”
That’s how one of my clients described carrying a memory that wouldn’t stay in the past. She had tried therapy, self-help, even sheer willpower. But the moment that scent appeared, she was no longer in the present—her nervous system was trapped in old pain.
After one IEMT session, she said it felt different. The memory was still there, but it no longer hijacked her body. What used to feel like a 10 out of 10 now felt more like a 2.
That’s the freedom Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) makes possible.
What Is IEMT?
IEMT was created by British therapist Andrew T. Austin, who found that specific eye movement patterns could quickly reduce the emotional intensity of painful memories. It’s not about retelling your story. It’s not about reliving the worst day of your life.
It’s about helping the brain “update” how it holds those experiences, so the memory belongs in the past—not the present.
How Is It Different From EMDR?
People often ask how IEMT compares to EMDR. Both use eye movements, but the approach is different.
EMDR often involves revisiting the trauma while processing.
IEMT works without having to relive or verbalize the event, making it feel gentler for many clients.
IEMT also addresses deep identity beliefs—those sneaky, painful stories like “I’m not enough”—that keep us stuck in shame or anxiety.
How It Works
Our brains are brilliant at keeping us safe—but sometimes they hold onto fear long after the danger has passed. That’s why a smell, a tone of voice, or even a look can send the body into fight-or-flight.
In IEMT, I guide your eyes through structured movements while asking intentional questions. This combination interrupts the old wiring and helps your brain reprocess the memory in a calmer, healthier way.
The result? The memory is still there—but it no longer runs the show.
Who Can Benefit?
IEMT is powerful for people who…
Still get triggered by old memories
Carry anxiety tied to small, everyday cues
Feel weighed down by guilt, shame, or “not enoughness”
Have tried other approaches but still feel stuck
The Bottom Line
Your past doesn’t have to keep hijacking your present. You can carry your story without being crushed by it. That’s why I use IEMT alongside hypnosis—to help my clients feel calmer, lighter, and more in control of their lives.
If you’ve been living with a memory that still stings, let's book a call so we can talk about how IEMT might help you.
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