What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-supported form of psychotherapy that helps people recover from traumatic experiences. EMDR works by helping the brain process distressing memories while you engage in eye movements or a similar task. As the brain processes the memory, the emotional distress linked to it decreases, allowing healing to take place naturally.

You can think of EMDR as helping the brain “digest” memories that still feel raw. Once processed, these memories often become less painful and less disruptive to everyday life.

How Effective Is EMDR?

For PTSD

  • Between 65% and 86% of people no longer meet the criteria for PTSD after EMDR treatment.

  • Research shows clear improvement in PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories, avoidance, emotional distress, and hyperarousal. Many clients notice progress after only a few sessions.

For Depression

  • EMDR has a strong positive effect on reducing depressive symptoms, especially when depression is linked to traumatic or highly stressful experiences.

  • Studies show a large overall reduction in symptoms after treatment, with benefits that often continue over time.

Why Do Eye Movements Help?

Eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation may sound unusual, but research shows they help because they:

  • Reduce the intensity of traumatic memories: The movement competes with the memory for the brain’s attention, making it less vivid and emotionally charged.

  • Engage working memory: Using working memory during recall shifts focus away from the distress, making the memory less overwhelming.

  • Support natural reprocessing: The process mimics how the brain processes information during deep sleep, helping the memory integrate into your broader memory network without triggering intense distress.

What Happens in an EMDR Session?

  • Your therapist guides you to recall a distressing memory while noticing your emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations.

  • While recalling the memory, you follow side-to-side eye movements or engage in another bilateral task such as taps or tones.

  • Between sets, you share any thoughts, feelings, or images that come up.

  • This continues until the memory feels less upsetting, so you can think about it without significant emotional distress.

Is EMDR Safe?
Yes. EMDR is recognized as safe and effective by major health organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association. It is provided only by trained and certified therapists.

Who Benefits Most from EMDR?

  • Individuals experiencing trauma or PTSD

  • People with depression related to past trauma

  • Clients whose trauma symptoms have not fully improved with other therapies

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