EMDR Therapy
Trauma-informed care to help you process distressing experiences and move forward.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. Originally designed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR has since been proven effective for a wide range of trauma-related conditions, anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health challenges. The World Health Organization, American Psychiatric Association, and Department of Veterans Affairs all recognize EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma.
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which proposes that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain's natural processing system, causing memories to be stored in a dysfunctional way. These unprocessed memories continue to trigger distressing emotions, physical sensations, and negative beliefs long after the traumatic event has ended. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they no longer cause distress.
What makes EMDR unique is that it doesn't require detailed verbal descriptions of the traumatic event, extensive homework, or prolonged exposure to trauma memories. Many people who have difficulty talking about their trauma or who haven't responded to traditional talk therapy find EMDR helpful. Research shows that EMDR can produce results more quickly than some other trauma therapies, with many people experiencing significant improvement in 6-12 sessions.
How EMDR Works
Bilateral Stimulation
The core component of EMDR is bilateral stimulation—alternating left-right stimulation of the brain through eye movements, tapping, or sounds. While you focus on a traumatic memory, your therapist guides your eyes to move back and forth (following their finger or a light bar), or uses tactile taps or auditory tones that alternate between left and right.
This bilateral stimulation appears to help the brain process traumatic memories in a way similar to what happens during REM sleep, when the brain naturally processes and consolidates memories. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but research consistently shows that bilateral stimulation reduces the emotional intensity and vividness of traumatic memories.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol. The first phases focus on history-taking, preparation, and building coping resources. Your therapist will teach you relaxation techniques and ensure you feel safe and stable before beginning trauma processing. This preparation phase is especially important for people with complex trauma or limited coping skills.
In the processing phases (assessment, desensitization, installation, and body scan), you'll focus on specific traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. You'll notice what thoughts, feelings, and sensations arise, allowing them to shift naturally without forcing or controlling the process. The therapist guides you but doesn't interpret or direct your experience.
The final phases involve closure (ensuring you leave each session feeling stable) and re-evaluation (checking progress and identifying any remaining targets). EMDR is not a one-session treatment—multiple sessions are typically needed to process traumatic memories fully.
Reprocessing Traumatic Memories
During EMDR processing, traumatic memories are "reprocessed"—meaning the brain integrates the memory into your broader life narrative in a more adaptive way. The memory doesn't disappear, but it loses its emotional charge. People often describe the memory feeling more distant, less vivid, or "just something that happened" rather than something that still feels threatening.
Negative beliefs associated with the trauma (like "I'm powerless," "I'm in danger," or "It was my fault") shift to more adaptive beliefs ("I did the best I could," "I'm safe now," "It wasn't my fault"). Physical sensations associated with the trauma (tension, nausea, rapid heartbeat) also decrease or resolve.
Safety and Pacing
EMDR is delivered by trained clinicians using a structured approach that prioritizes safety. Your therapist will never push you to process trauma before you're ready. If you become overwhelmed during processing, your therapist can pause, use grounding techniques, or return to resource-building exercises.
For people with complex trauma, dissociation, or limited support systems, EMDR may be modified or paced more slowly. Some people need more preparation time before beginning trauma processing. Your therapist will work at a pace that feels manageable and safe for you.
What EMDR Can Help With
PTSD & Trauma
EMDR is highly effective for PTSD from single-incident trauma (accidents, assault, natural disasters) and complex trauma (childhood abuse, domestic violence, combat). It reduces flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance.
Anxiety & Panic
EMDR can help with anxiety disorders, especially when anxiety is rooted in past experiences. It's effective for panic disorder, phobias, and performance anxiety.
Depression
When depression is connected to unresolved trauma or negative life experiences, EMDR can help process these memories and shift negative self-beliefs that maintain depression.
Grief & Loss
EMDR can help process complicated grief, traumatic loss, or unresolved feelings about the death of a loved one, allowing natural grieving to occur.
Chronic Pain
EMDR can reduce pain intensity and pain-related distress, especially when pain is connected to traumatic experiences or has a psychological component.
Performance Issues
EMDR can address performance anxiety, blocks, or negative beliefs that interfere with work, sports, or creative pursuits.
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
EMDR sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. The number of sessions needed varies depending on the complexity of the trauma and your individual needs. Single-incident trauma may be processed in 3-6 sessions, while complex trauma may require longer treatment.
During processing sessions, you may experience strong emotions, physical sensations, or vivid memories. This is normal and part of the healing process. Your therapist will help you manage these experiences and ensure you feel grounded and safe before leaving each session.
Many people notice changes between sessions—dreams may change, new insights may emerge, or symptoms may decrease. Some people experience temporary increases in distress as memories are being processed, but this typically resolves as processing continues.