What is EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. It is a relatively new therapy, first developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro, PhD.

EMDR therapy is based on the idea that when a person experiences a traumatic event, their brain gets "stuck" in a state of hyperarousal. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Recurrent thoughts or images of the event

  • Nightmares or flashbacks

  • Avoidance of reminders of the event

  • Arousal symptoms, such as anxiety, anger, or difficulty sleeping

  • Emotional numbing or detachment

EMDR therapy helps to "unstick" the brain by stimulating both sides of the brain at the same time. This can be done through eye movements, tapping, or other forms of bilateral stimulation. As the brain is stimulated, the person is asked to focus on the traumatic memory and any associated thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

Over the course of EMDR therapy, the person's brain is able to process the traumatic memory in a healthy way. This leads to a reduction in the symptoms of trauma, and a greater sense of peace and well-being.

EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Depression

  • Traumatic grief

  • Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)

EMDR therapy is a safe and effective treatment that can help people to heal from the effects of trauma. If you are struggling with the symptoms of trauma, talk to your doctor or therapist about whether EMDR therapy might be right for you.

Here are some additional resources about EMDR therapy:

  • Short video explaining EMDR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNN1lQ-AHoo

  • EMDR International Association: https://www.emdria.org/

  • EMDR Institute: https://www.emdr.com/

  • American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing