EMDR

EMDR

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It was originally designed to treat trauma and PTSD, but has since been found effective for a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and childhood trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require clients to discuss their experiences in extensive detail. Instead, it works by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional intensity and no longer feel overwhelming in the present.

How Does It Work?

EMDR uses a technique called bilateral stimulation — most commonly guided eye movements, but also tapping or auditory tones — while the client briefly focuses on a troubling memory or feeling. This process mimics what naturally happens during REM sleep, allowing the brain to "digest" experiences that have become stuck. Over the course of sessions, clients often find that painful memories become less vivid and distressing, and that negative beliefs about themselves (such as "I am not safe" or "I am not enough") shift into more positive, empowering ones. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) both recognize EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma.

What to Expect as a New Client

EMDR typically begins with several preparation sessions before any reprocessing takes place. Your therapist will take time to understand your history, explain the process thoroughly, and equip you with calming and grounding techniques to use both in and outside of sessions. This preparation phase is important — it ensures you feel safe and stable before revisiting difficult material. Sessions are usually 60 to 90 minutes, and the number of sessions needed varies depending on the individual and the nature of what is being addressed. Many clients report noticeable shifts in how they feel about past experiences within just a few sessions, though deeper or more complex trauma may take longer to work through.

For further information, visit EMDR International Association.