What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy developed for traumatic memories and other distressing life experiences. EMDR helps clients reprocess stuck memories so they are less vivid, less emotionally intense, and less likely to trigger overwhelming reactions.

Who can benefit?

EMDR is used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress reactions, some anxiety disorders, complicated grief, and certain phobias. It’s appropriate for adolescents and adults when delivered by a trained clinician, and is often recommended when talk therapy alone has not resolved trauma-related symptoms.

How EMDR works (plain language)

EMDR uses an eight-phase protocol:

1. History & treatment planning: Clinician and client identify targets (memories, triggers, negative beliefs).
2. Preparation & stabilization: Build emotional safety, coping skills, and establish grounding techniques.
3. Assessment: Identify image, negative belief, desired positive belief, and bodily sensations.
4. Desensitization: Client focuses on the memory while receiving bilateral stimulation (commonly side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds).
5. Installation: Strengthen positive beliefs that replace negative ones.
6. Body scan: Check for residual physical distress and process as needed.
7. Closure: Return the client to a safe state at the session end.
8. Reevaluation: Review progress and set next targets.
    

Evidence & effectiveness

EMDR is recommended by major clinical guidelines for PTSD and has a strong evidence base showing reduced trauma symptoms and improved functioning. Many clients report symptom relief in fewer sessions compared with some other modalities, though individual response varies.

What to expect in sessions

• Sessions are guided by a licensed, EMDR-trained clinician.
• Bilateral stimulation may feel unusual at first but is generally well tolerated.
• Clients may process memories across sessions; emotional intensity usually declines over time.
• Safety and pacing are prioritized; clinicians won’t push a client beyond their capacity.
   

Who should not use EMDR without special precautions

Clients with uncontrolled substance use, certain cardiac or seizure disorders, or unstable medical/psychiatric conditions require careful medical clearance and tailored protocols. EMDR is best delivered by clinicians with formal EMDR training and supervised experience.

Combining EMDR with integrative care

EMDR can be combined with medication management, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic therapies for a comprehensive plan. We coordinate care with medical and psychiatric providers when needed.

FAQs

1. Is EMDR the same as hypnosis? No — EMDR is a structured psychotherapeutic process using bilateral stimulation, not hypnosis.
2. Does EMDR erase memories? No — it reduces the emotional charge and vividness but does not remove memory facts.
3. Is EMDR painful? It can bring up strong emotion, but clinicians use stabilization and pacing to keep clients safe.
4. How many sessions will I need? It depends on the complexity of problems — many see change in short-term focused phases; more complex trauma takes more sessions.
5. Can teens use EMDR? Yes, with clinicians trained in working with adolescents and with parental consent where legally required.
6. Do I need medication? Not necessarily. Medication decisions are made with a prescribing clinician when appropriate.