Sandra Bullock Does EMDR
Sandra Bullock has been open with the public about her ongoing struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from a traumatic home invasion in 2014. During an appearance on Red Table Talk in 2021, she recounted the harrowing night when an intruder broke into her home. Bullock hid in a closet and called the police who responded quickly — the intruder was soon arrested.
The aftermath of the invasion rattled Bullock — she shared that the experience fundamentally changed her. After this trauma, she described herself as emotionally unraveling, often breaking down in tears unexpectedly. She was concerned about the impact her trauma would have on her son. She decided to seek out professional help, which led her to discover Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a method developed for treating PTSD.
Although initially apprehensive to try EMDR, Bullock found it to be deeply transformative. EMDR involves focusing on distressing memories while receiving bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or “tappers” (vibrating paddles), which Bullock used during her sessions. Bilateral stimulation, combined with the therapist’s guidance using the EMDR protocol, helps individuals process traumatic events, potentially altering how the brain stores these memories. In Bullock's case, recalling the invasion while the therapist used the tappers allowed her to navigate the traumatic memory in a controlled environment and fully metabolize the experience. The therapy's positive impact on Bullock highlights the potential of EMDR to assist individuals in managing and overcoming trauma.
Introducing the topic of EMDR to new clients requires an abundance of psychoeducation and clarity. A powerful way to orient individuals to EMDR is to share media where public figures discuss their experience using this therapy approach. Not only does this validate the effectiveness of EMDR, it also fights against mental health stigma and inspires hope to those considering this type of therapy. Below is a video clip featuring Bullock discussing her personal journey with EMDR.
To learn more about EMDR, visit the EMDRIA website.