Memories aren’t just thought – they’re felt through autonomic processes. Yet, the EMDR model gives little attention to the physiology behind the magic of EMDR therapy. Combining Polyvagal Theory into the 8 phases of EMDR supports clinicians in developing robust case conceptualization, assessing readiness for reprocessing, aligning clinical interventions to build autonomic resiliency, and enhancing outcomes for target reprocessing. Polyvagal Theory is the missing half of EMDR, as this model pays close attention to the physiology of stress, healing, and integrating traumatic experiences to a point of adaptive resolution.