EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR- You may have heard this term when people talk about therapy, but what does it actually mean?

EMDR is a type of therapy that requires specialized training and can be used for a variety of mental health issues. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD in 1987 to primarily treat PTSD. EMDR is commonly used to treat trauma-related disorders including PTSD, but has also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). Traumatic or distressing memories can become “trapped” in a part of the brain called the amygdala which activates our fight-or-flight response. When this happens, distressing memories can send us into fight-or-flight mode involuntarily, causing increased feelings of anxiety, fear, terror, confusion, or shock.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR activates the brain using bilateral stimulation to activate parts of the brain. Bilateral stimulation works by using side-to-side eye movements, auditory stimulation (listening to tones), or tactile stimulation (holding “tappers”). In simpler terms, bilateral stimulation is helping to “jumpstart” your brain or get it back “online”. Bilateral stimulation activates the brain to move trapped, distressing memories from the amygdala into the pre-frontal cortex. Once these memories have made their way into the pre-frontal cortex, one may be able to think of the memory in a new way that is less distressing or that provides new meaning. EMDR works by lowering one’s level of distress to an unpleasant memory. EMDR for PTSD is an effective treatment as it helps to calm the nervous system when one faces people, places, or things that remind them of a traumatic event.

Benefits of EMDR

EMDR is a powerful therapeutic tool that can help lessen or alleviate the painful symptoms of trauma which can include:

  • Disturbing Memories

  • Nightmares

  • Anxiety/Fear

  • Depression

  • Low Self-Esteem

  • Dissociation

EMDR therapy does not require clients to go into great detail about the traumatic event that was experienced which can be helpful when working through disturbing memories. EMDR therapy works with the brain’s natural healing process to heal from trauma. EMDR can help get past cognitive or emotional “blocks” that other therapies may be unable to resolve.

What Are EMDR Sessions Like?

EMDR therapy requires preparing the client before beginning EMDR. We will work to establish coping mechanisms for you to use inside and outside of therapy before starting EMDR. EMDR can trigger unwanted memories and emotions, and it is important that you can cope with what may come up in a session. Once you are prepared for EMDR, we will identify the most distressing memories or symptoms that you wish to address first. From there, we will begin the desensitization and reprocessing phase of EMDR by using bilateral stimulation. We will ask you to focus on the memory, thought, emotion, or physical sensation as we apply the bilateral stimulation. Your brain will activate and begin to move through thoughts, memories, and emotions. Every person is different in how much time it takes to complete a reprocessing session. After the session, your brain may continue to process the thoughts that came up for you during EMDR. It is important to get good sleep and minimize stress after an EMDR session.

Can EMDR Be Harmful?

EMDR therapy is a powerful psychotherapeutic tool that must be done by a trained, EMDR professional. EMDR can cause intense emotions, and if these emotions are left unattended, it can cause someone to become worse. We will work with you to develop tools and processes for understanding and navigating intense emotions or reactions that may occur from EMDR therapy. Your therapist will need you to communicate with them if you are feeling worse or having distressing symptoms occur outside of therapy. EMDR is a process, and sometimes it can feel like things are getting worse before they get better. EMDR therapy activates your brain so that you can resolve unwanted memories or symptoms and it is common for some of these symptoms to re-surface as you work through the trauma.

Is EMDR For Me?

EMDR therapy can help children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. EMDR therapy is used for individuals suffering from:

  • PTSD and other trauma-related issues

  • Panic Attacks

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Grief and Loss

  • Sexual Abuse or Sexual Assault

  • Physical or Emotional Abuse

  • Traumatic incidents including car accidents, medical trauma, etc.

  • Phobias

  • Performance Anxiety

Before beginning EMDR therapy, we will identify current symptoms you’re experiencing, stressors in your life, and coping tools you already have. EMDR therapy can bring up intense emotions and memories and it’s important that you are prepared to handle what can come up in EMDR sessions. Your therapist will work to make sure you are ready to begin EMDR and they will be there to help guide you should strong emotions or memories surface. EMDR therapy has the power to help your brain create new meaning and insights about your past, present, and future.

If you would like more information about EMDR therapy and if you would be a good candidate for EMDR, please reach out for an initial consultation. Thank you!

FAQs about EMDR Therapy

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from trauma, distressing experiences, anxiety, and negative beliefs. It uses bilateral stimulation of the brain using eye movements, tapping, or sounds to help the brain reprocess stuck memories and emotional pain.

  • EMDR taps into your brain’s natural healing process. During a session, the therapist guides you to recall a distressing memory while using bilateral stimulation. This helps your brain “digest” the experience in a healthier way—reducing the emotional charge, shifting beliefs, and promoting healing.

  • Not necessarily. One of the unique benefits of EMDR is that it doesn’t always require you to talk about your trauma in great detail. You’re asked to recall aspects of the experience, but much of the processing happens internally while your therapist supports and guides you. You are welcome to share however much or little you'd like with your therapist as you reprocess memories and emotions.

  • It varies. Some people feel significant relief in just 5-6 sessions, while others with complex trauma or multiple distressing events may benefit from longer treatment. Your therapist will work with you to create a personalized plan.

  • An EMDR session includes:

    • Checking in and grounding

    • Identifying a target memory or belief

    • Using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) while you process

    • Brief check-ins between sets

    • Re-orienting you to the present

      Reflecting on any emotions or thoughts that came up during the session.

    Early sessions may focus on building trust, learning calming tools, and understanding your goals before beginning deeper trauma work.

  • Yes, EMDR is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, you should inform your therapist of any current eye problems, seizure disorder or epilepsy, a diagnosed heart disease, elevated blood pressure, or are at risk for or have a history of stroke, heart attack, seizure or other limiting medical conditions that may put you at medical risk. Pregnant women should consult with their physician before proceeding with EMDR therapy, as EMDR can bring up intense emotions that can temporarily increase emotional distress and fatigue. It's important to review any risks and benefits with your therapist before doing EMDR therapy.

  • Yes! Research shows EMDR is a highly effective treatment for trauma and emotional distress. The World Health Organization (WHO) and American Psychological Association (APA) recommend it as a frontline treatment for PTSD. Many people report lasting changes in how they feel and view themselves after EMDR.

  • That’s okay. EMDR is a collaborative process—you set the pace. Your therapist will never push you to process trauma before you feel ready. The early stages of EMDR focus on building safety, trust, and emotional regulation skills so you feel more equipped.

  • No. EMDR is not hypnosis. During EMDR, you are fully awake, aware, and in control the entire time. You don’t go into a trance or altered state. You’re simply focusing on a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or tones), which helps your brain reprocess the memory in a healthier way.

  • If you’re curious, the first step is a consultation to explore your goals and see if EMDR is a good fit for you. From there, your therapist will guide you through each phase at a pace that feels manageable and supportive. Click the "Contact Us" button today to speak with us to see if EMDR is right for you.

Maxfield, L. (2019). A clinician’s guide to the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research [Editorial], 13(4), 239-246. Open access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.239