People have different opinions on EMDR. It works great for me. My first thoughts were like yours. It sounds like some kind of mind control numbing process. The work is actually all you. You process your own feelings however you need to. The therapist just basically interrupts you every few minutes and you tell them what you are thinking, then tells you to continue. Watch some youtube or research it. Be careful, it is very intense! You MUST have a good therapist who can help keep you grounded. They should be teaching you some calming techniques before you get started. It will bring up whatever ugly memories you may have. You will feel like you are experiencing them in real life. But if you can stick with it, you get some really quick relief that is permanent, in my opinion. Good luck!