Finding Your Anchor: The Power of EMDR Resourcing in Everyday Life

At Coriander Living Collective, our motto is life well lived! To us, that doesn’t mean a life without stress or a past without pain. Instead, it’s about having the capacity to stay present, grounded, and intentional, even when the waves of life are erratic.

If you’ve looked into Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, you likely know it’s a gold-standard treatment for trauma. But there is a specific part of EMDR that is a "hidden gem" for everyone, whether you are currently in deep trauma processing or simply looking for better ways to navigate daily stress: Resourcing.

What is EMDR Resourcing?

In the 8-phase model of EMDR, Phase 2 is all about Preparation. Before we ever "go there" and process difficult memories, we must first ensure your nervous system has a solid foundation.

Think of resourcing as building your internal "emotional first aid kit." It involves identifying and strengthening positive mental states, sensations, and images. Using gentle bilateral stimulation (like the butterfly hug or tapping), we "install" these resources so they become more accessible when you’re triggered or overwhelmed.

Why We Start with the Resource, Not the Trauma

Many people come to therapy wanting to "fix" the hard stuff immediately. However, if we dive into deep trauma without a "safe base" to return to, we risk flooding the nervous system.

Resourcing expands your Window of Tolerance. It’s the practice of reminding your brain and body that, even if things were scary then, you have tools to feel safe and capable now.

Curious to learn an EMDR Resource Tool that you can practice at home? Join Cori Hildebrandt, MA, LPC WI, LPCC MN, Certified EMDR Therapist for this workshop, EMDR Therapy: Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, and Resourcing on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 6-7:30pm at the River Falls High School. Pre-registration is required.