Healing Through the Body: How EMDR and Parts Work Come Together in Therapy

angelica esposito
Jun 27
2 min read

Have you ever felt like one part of you wants to move forward, but another part holds you back?

Many of us experience that inner tug—of—war, and it can feel confusing, frustrating, and exhausting. In my practice as a trauma-informed therapist in Burlington, I often meet people who say, “I know I’m safe now, but my body doesn’t believe it.” That’s where the integration of EMDR therapy and parts work becomes especially powerful.

Healing Through the Body: How EMDR and Parts Work Come Together in Therapy by Angelica Esposito | EMDR Therapy in Burlington and virtually across Ontario

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful and evidence-based approach used to treat trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional overwhelm. It uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements or tapping—to help the brain reprocess difficult experiences so they no longer feel stuck in the present.

But sometimes, when we begin EMDR therapy, different inner parts show up. These parts carry emotions, beliefs, and often live in the body as physical sensations.

Rather than seeing them as obstacles, we treat these parts with respect and curiosity. They often hold valuable insights into what needs healing.

Understanding Parts Work

Parts work is a therapeutic approach that recognizes we are made up of many inner “parts,” each with their own role. These parts might include:

A protector who keeps your guard up
A fearful part that avoids risk
A hopeful part that longs for connection but feels unsure how to ask for it

You might feel these parts as body-based experiences—a tight chest, a heavy stomach, or a lump in your throat. By getting to know these parts with compassion, you begin to build trust with yourself and reduce inner conflict.

How I Combine EMDR and Parts Work in Trauma Therapy

In our work together, we might:

Slow down the EMDR process to make room for parts that need to be seen
Identify and name body sensations connected to trauma or inner conflict
Create safety and grounding using breathing exercises, visualization, or calm place imagery
Acknowledge the protective role of each part and invite collaboration
Support internal transformation, helping parts shift from beliefs like “I’m not safe” to “I can handle this now”

This integration is especially helpful for clients who feel “stuck,” have complex trauma, or experience high-functioning anxiety and perfectionism.

Is This Approach Right for You?

You may benefit from this body-based trauma work if:

You’ve tried talk therapy and want a deeper, somatic approach
You’re dealing with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or emotional blocks
You feel inner conflict—like part of you wants change, but another part resists it
You want to work with a therapist who understands both mind and body healing

EMDR Therapy and Parts Work in Burlington & Online

I offer EMDR therapy in Burlington and online therapy across Ontario, with a focus on helping adults navigate trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and the belief that healing is possible for everyone.

You are not broken. Your parts have protected you. Now, we can help them heal.