EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy approach designed to help people process traumatic and other distressing life experiences. Rather than focusing only on talking about what happened, EMDR works with memories, emotions, beliefs, and body sensations connected to experiences that continue to feel distressing.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured psychotherapy that helps people work with distressing memories and the symptoms associated with them. Treatment does not require repeatedly describing every detail of an experience.
During parts of EMDR treatment, you may briefly focus on a memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This often involves guided side-to-side eye movements, although alternating taps or sounds may also be used.
The goal is not to erase a memory. Instead, treatment aims to reduce how disturbing or activating the memory feels and support more adaptive ways of understanding the experience.
Process distressing
memories and experiences
Reduce emotional
distress related to memories
Build greater grounding
and emotional stability
Develop more adaptive
beliefs and perspectives
The 8 Phases of EMDR
What the Research Says
Established Treatment for PTSD
EMDR has been extensively studied for post-traumatic stress disorder. Major clinical guidelines include EMDR among evidence-based psychological treatments for PTSD.
Recognized by the World Health Organization
WHO identifies EMDR and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapies among the psychological interventions with the strongest evidence for effective treatment of PTSD.
Research Continues
Research continues to examine how EMDR works and which components contribute most to treatment outcomes.
Individual Treatment Matters
Treatment length, pacing, and response vary from person to person. EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all intervention and should be individualized to each client.
EMDR May Be Used to Address
What to Expect in EMDR
Preparation First
EMDR begins with history-taking, education, treatment planning, and preparation rather than immediately processing memories.
Focused Attention
You briefly notice aspects of a memory while also attending to bilateral stimulation.
Bilateral Stimulation
Eye movements are common, although alternating tapping or auditory stimulation may also be used.
Your Pace Matters
Processing is paced according to your needs, readiness, history, and treatment goals.
You Stay Present
EMDR does not involve hypnosis. You remain awake, aware, and able to communicate throughout treatment.
Progress Is Individual
Some targets may resolve relatively quickly, while more complex histories may require longer-term treatment.
A Few Things to Know
EMDR is not simply eye movement exercises. It is a comprehensive, eight-phase psychotherapy approach that includes assessment, preparation, processing, closure, and ongoing reevaluation.
You do not have to describe every detail of an experience for EMDR to be used. However, you and your therapist will still communicate about what you are noticing and how treatment is progressing.
EMDR is best established as a treatment for PTSD. Research also examines its use with other concerns, but evidence varies by condition. The appropriateness of EMDR should be determined individually rather than assuming it is the best treatment for every concern.
The number of sessions needed varies. Factors such as treatment goals, history, current stressors, available supports, and the number or complexity of treatment targets can all affect the course of therapy.
Have questions about EMDR
or wondering whether it may be
a good fit for you?
