EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
A trauma-informed therapy that helps individuals process and integrate distressing memories in a safe and supportive way.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized form of psychotherapy that helps individuals recover from the emotional impact of traumatic or distressing life experiences.
Through guided bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or tones—EMDR helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming.
This approach allows individuals to develop healthier emotional responses and reduce the intensity of negative beliefs associated with past events.
How Does EMDR Work?
During EMDR therapy, the brain is guided to access distressing memories in a controlled way while simultaneously focusing on bilateral stimulation.
This dual awareness—thinking about a difficult event while focusing on rhythmic movement—supports the brain in re-organizing how the memory is stored.
Over time, the emotional charge associated with the memory lessens, allowing for new, adaptive beliefs to take root (e.g., shifting from “I’m not safe” to “I’m okay now”).
Who May Benefit From EMDR?
EMDR can be helpful for people who have experienced:
- Traumatic events or accidents
- Childhood neglect or abuse
- Anxiety, panic, or intrusive memories
- Grief or loss
- Distressing medical experiences
- Relationship trauma or attachment injuries
It may also support individuals who feel “stuck” in certain emotional patterns or continue to experience distress despite talk therapy.
What to Expect in an Initial EMDR Session
Like most forms of psychotherapy, the first step in EMDR is developing a treatment plan. Once an identified target has been agreed upon with your therapist, you will work together to develop a Target Sequence Plan and resourcing strategies to assist you in processing difficult thoughts, feelings, and beliefs over the course of therapy.
EMDR may be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy to help you achieve the best results. The length of treatment with EMDR can depend on the complexity of the presenting concern but on average may take between six to twelve sessions. These sessions may be condensed into multiple visits per week or spread out over a larger period of time depending on you and your therapists discussions about treatment.
Your therapist may encourage you to access EMDR therapy worksheets, resourcing strategies, and psychoeducation outside of sessions in an effort to best help support your psychotherapy treatment.
Intro To EMDR
Ready to Begin EMDR Therapy?
You don’t have to face the effects of trauma alone.
Our EMDR-trained therapists are here to help you feel more in control and confident as you move forward in your healing journey.
