From what I understand, the memories are stuck in your active memory until they are processed, meaning your mind and body still believe they're happening now :( As I've gone through EMDR, a horrible process, but then after I can't see the faces/images anymore, and the emotions that went with them are gone! What a relief! Some of the things the counselor has helped me work through we're from a long te ago, when I was a preteen...they sure were real until they were processed and put where they belong, just memories.
I hope this helps ;) there is another side!
Sally sue