What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven, research-backed therapy designed to help individuals heal from trauma or distressing life experiences. It is particularly effective for trauma-related issues and works by helping the brain process and heal from unresolved traumatic memories.
About EMDR Therapy
Our brains have a natural healing process for traumatic memories, involving communication between the amygdala (our stress response center), the hippocampus (which stores memories of safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which controls behavior and emotion). However, sometimes traumatic memories remain unprocessed, leading to persistent distress. EMDR helps the brain resume its natural healing process, allowing overwhelming feelings and memories to be resolved without staying “stuck” in the trauma response.
While the traumatic experience may still be remembered, the emotional distress linked to it is significantly reduced, allowing for greater peace and emotional regulation.
How is EMDR different from other therapies?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue, or homework between sessions. EMDR, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.
EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. Part of the therapy includes alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps. For some clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy can help people of all ages with a variety of issues, including:
- Anxiety, Panic Attacks, & Phobias
- Depression & Mood Disorders
- Trauma, PTSD, & Grief
- Eating Disorders & Substance Abuse
- Sleep Disturbance & Performance Anxiety
- Sexual Assault, Abuse, & Violence
Experiencing EMDR Therapy
After the therapist and client agree that EMDR therapy is a good fit, and begin to work together, the client will be asked to focus on a specific event. Attention will be given to a negative image, belief, and body feeling related to this event, and then to a positive belief that would indicate the issue was resolved. While the client focuses on the upsetting event, the therapist will begin sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. The client will be guided to notice what comes to mind after each set. They may experience shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs regarding the event. The client has full control to stop the therapist at any point, if needed. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps are repeated until the event becomes less disturbing.
EMDR Therapy is a Recognized Effective Treatment for PTSD
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions.
Can EMDR therapy be done without a trained EMDR therapist?
EMDR therapy is a mental health intervention. As such, it should only be offered by properly trained and licensed mental health clinicians. EMDRIA does not condone or support indiscriminate uses of EMDR therapy such as “do-it-yourself” virtual therapy.