Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapeutic approach that has helped millions of people relieve many types of psychological distress. It is designated as an effective treatment by the APA, the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S Department of Defense, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, and more.

How Does EMDR Work?

When a person is highly distressed, the brain can't process this information the same way as it does with "ordinary" information. A painful memory may feel "frozen in time" and remembering it can feel as real as going through it the first time because the images, sounds and feelings haven't changed. These pervasive and upsetting memories have a lasting negative effect that can interfere with the way we see the world and relate to other people.

EMDR allows you to process an emotional experience that can be difficult to talk about so that following the session you can discuss it with considerable less distress. Most importantly, it can eliminate anxiety surrounding the event, with the purpose of allowing new life in the once traumatizing and emotionally difficult memory. After an EMDR session, you still remember an upsetting event, but it is less distressing and you no longer relive the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. Many types of therapy have similar goals, however, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

What Is An EMDR Session Like?

During EMDR, I will work with you to identify a specific problem to focus on. I'll ask you to recall a disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, and thought. I'll also ask you to share what thoughts and beliefs are held as a result of the event. As you hold the memory in mind, I will facilitate either eye movements or other bilateral stimulation and ask you just to notice what comes to mind without any attempt to control what arises. Sets of eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about yourself; for example, "I did the best I could." During the EMDR processing, you may experience great emotion, but by the end of the session, most clients report significant reductions in distress.

Common Questions about EMDR

1. What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps the brain process distressing memories so they no longer have the same emotional impact. Rather than simply talking about difficult experiences, EMDR helps your nervous system integrate them in a healthier way.

2. What conditions can EMDR help treat?

EMDR is well known for treating trauma and PTSD, but it can also help with anxiety, panic attacks, childhood trauma, grief, relationship wounds, negative self-beliefs, performance anxiety, and other distressing life experiences that continue to affect your daily life.

3. Will I have to talk about every detail of my trauma?

Not necessarily. One of the reasons many people appreciate EMDR is that you do not have to describe every detail of a painful experience. Together, we'll work at a pace that feels safe while helping your brain process what has been difficult to carry.

4. Is EMDR emotionally overwhelming?

Strong emotions can arise during therapy, but EMDR is designed to help you stay within a manageable range of emotional activation. Before processing begins, we'll develop coping skills and grounding strategies so you feel prepared and supported throughout the process.

5. How many EMDR sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on your goals, your history, and the experiences we're addressing. Some people notice meaningful improvement after targeting a single event, while others with more complex or longstanding trauma benefit from longer-term work. We'll regularly review your progress together.

6. How do I know if EMDR is right for me?

EMDR may be a good fit if you feel that past experiences continue to affect your emotions, relationships, or sense of self, even though you understand them intellectually. During your first sessions, we'll determine whether EMDR is appropriate for your needs and whether another approach, or a combination of approaches, would better support your goals.