What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.
The following organizations recognize EMDR therapy as an effective treatment:
- American Psychiatric Association
- American Psychological Association
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defence
- The Cochran Database of Systematic Reviews
- The World Health Organization
Introduction to EMDR Therapy
How does EMDR therapy work? What is it like? How widely is it recognized? This short video has some answers.
How is EMDR Different from Other Therapies?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or homework between sessions. EMDR supports the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR therapy is designed to process traumatic memories in the brain, so the person still remembers these memories but is no longer controlled by them. Part of the therapy includes alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps (left and right stimulations). For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
EMDR therapy can be done in-person or via virtual platforms.
EMDR Therapy: Healing Through a New Lens
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and resolve trauma, distressing memories, and emotional challenges. It works by facilitating the brain’s natural healing processes, allowing you to reframe painful experiences and reduce their emotional impact.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories through a structured eight-phase approach. A key component involves bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or tapping—while you recall distressing experiences in a safe, supportive environment. This helps your brain "reorganize" the memory, so it no longer triggers the same intense emotional or physical responses.
What to Expect in EMDR Sessions?
During EMDR therapy, we will work together to identify troubling memories or issues and explore how they affect your present life. The process is collaborative, empowering, and paced according to your readiness. EMDR does not require extensive discussion of the details of your adverse memories, making it a unique approach compared to traditional talk therapy, and surprisingly effective.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
While EMDR is well-known for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can also be highly effective for:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Phobias
- Childhood Adverse Experiences
- Low self-esteem and self-doubt
- Stress related to life transitions
Potential Benefits of EMDR Therapy
- Relief from emotional distress
- Improved emotional regulation
- Increased self-awareness and resilience
- Improved relationships and communication
- Greater clarity and confidence
- Improved self-esteem
- Reduction or elimination of trauma symptoms
- Relief from anxiety
- Improved quality of sleep
What does EMDR therapy look like?
This short video explains the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy and what you might experience in EMDR therapy sessions.
Schedule an Appointment
An initial consultation is an opportunity to explore if and how EMDR therapy could benefit you. We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve, giving you a sense of how we might work together.
