What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing or traumatic memories. EMDR was specifically created to treat individuals that have been diagnose with post-traumatic stress disorders who find it difficult to function because of their unresolved trauma.

During EMDR, a therapist guides the person to bring to mind a troubling memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (often side-to-side eye movements, though sometimes tapping, sounds or buzzers are used).

The goal is to reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of the memory and help the brain re-integrate the experience in a more adaptive way.

What are the benefits?

  • Faster symptom relief: Some studies indicate EMDR can reduce trauma-related distress more rapidly than certain other therapies.
  • Less need for discussing every detail of the traumatic event (compared to some exposure therapies).
  • Applicability across age groups and in diverse settings (children, adults, different cultures).

Why this matters for you or someone you know:

  • If someone is grappling with traumatic memories that keep getting triggered, causing distress, avoidance, or impaired day-to-day functioning EMDR offers a structured path toward relief and resolution. It’s not just “talking about it more” but helping the brain re-process the memory so it doesn’t keep triggering the nervous system

 

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing American Psychological Association

Cleveland Clinic. (2021, March 29). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: What it is, procedure & effectiveness. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy Cleveland Clinic

Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Shapiro, F. (2002). Getting past your past: Take control of your life with EMDR therapy. Rodale.

van der Kolk, B. A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M. E., et al. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Treatment effects and long-term maintenance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37-46. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.v68n0105 PMC

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. (2021). Clinical practice guidelines for PTSD & CPTSD (3rd ed.).

National Center for PTSD, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for PTSD.