Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experience to bring these to an adaptive resolution.

After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced. During EMDR therapy the client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. Therapist directed lateral eye movements are the most commonly used external stimulus but a variety of other stimuli including hand-tapping and audio stimulation are often used (Shapiro, 1991). Find out more here or visit www.emdria.org for details on EMDR and latest information.

Who Is EMDR For?

EMDR may be helpful if you are experiencing:

  • Trauma or PTSD

  • Childhood trauma or neglect

  • Anxiety or panic attacks

  • Grief and loss

  • Medical trauma

  • Sexual assault or abuse

  • Relationship trauma

  • Disturbing memories that continue to affect your daily life

  • Negative beliefs such as “I’m not good enough,” “I’m not safe,” or “I’m powerless”

Many people seek EMDR because they understand why they feel the way they do, but they continue to react emotionally or physically as though the past is still happening.

What Happens During EMDR Therapy?

EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase treatment approach that is always tailored to your needs and paced with care.

Treatment typically includes:

  • Learning grounding and nervous system regulation skills before beginning trauma processing

  • Identifying the memories, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations connected to your current struggles

  • Processing those memories while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating taps, or audio tones

  • Allowing the brain to make new, healthier connections without forcing or analyzing the process

  • Strengthening positive beliefs and integrating the insights into everyday life

Throughout treatment, you remain awake, aware, and in control. We move at a pace that feels manageable, with careful attention to safety and stabilization.

What Does the Research Show?

EMDR is one of the most extensively researched treatments for trauma and PTSD. More than two dozen randomized controlled trials have demonstrated its effectiveness, and it is recognized as an evidence-based treatment by numerous national and international organizations. (⁠EMDR International Association)

Research has found that EMDR can:

  • Reduce symptoms of PTSD

  • Decrease anxiety and emotional distress

  • Improve negative self-beliefs

  • Reduce physiological reactivity associated with traumatic memories

  • Produce results comparable to other leading trauma-focused therapies for PTSD (⁠EMDR International Association)

Researchers continue to study EMDR for other conditions, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and complicated grief. While findings are promising, the strongest evidence remains for the treatment of trauma and PTSD. (⁠PubMed Central (PMC))

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No. While we identify the memories that need attention, EMDR does not require you to repeatedly tell your story in detail.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on your goals, the nature of the trauma, and whether it involved a single event or repeated experiences over time. Some people experience significant relief within a relatively short course of treatment, while complex trauma often requires a longer therapeutic process.

Is EMDR only for PTSD?

No. Although EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, it is also used to treat trauma-related anxiety, grief, phobias, performance anxiety, and distress connected to adverse life experiences. The evidence is strongest for PTSD, with ongoing research exploring its use for other conditions. (⁠EMDR International Association)

Will I lose control during a session?

No. You remain present and aware throughout the session. EMDR is a collaborative process, and you can pause at any time.