So what is EMDR?
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy modality that uses a series of stimuli to engage the brain’s systems that deal with information processing. Sometimes when we experience a traumatic event, our brain will process and store memory incorrectly. This can lead to past experiences influencing our current feelings or behaviors. Think of the brain as a computer, sometimes the file can get corrupted, which impacts how the computer runs. By introducing small patches (stimuli), our computer (aka our brain) can run more effectively without the same hick-ups it had before.
Why EMDR?
Unlike other forms of treatment, EMDR isn’t just about your trauma. EMDR is about focusing on what that event made you believe about yourself and how it has been carried into your present. For some it is the belief that you are defective, worthless, or even trapped.
During the EMDR process, it’s not required to talk in detail about your past trauma. Instead, much of the processing happens unconsciously while you focus on external stimuli. This helps your brain process the memory, without becoming overwhelmed and reducing the emotional impact of the memory.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR consists of eight phases, which occur over multiple sessions. While there are multiple sessions, the process itself is not linear. Phases can be revisited and treatment can be adjusted based on the individual's needs and to address the things that may come up as the process progresses.
Phase One consists of gathering information and asking about events or memories you want to focus on. While you may not have to discuss your past experiences in great detail, it is important to explore so it can be determined if EMDR will be helpful to you.
Phase Two is preparation and education. During this you learn what to expect, develop some coping skills, and develop resources to help you feel safe and manage any intense emotions that may arise.
Phase Three consists of assessing what memories or beliefs you want to work on. By doing this, negative beliefs you hold and positive beliefs you want to have can be identified.
Phase Four is when desensitization and reprocessing occur. The clinician will assist you in activating your memory, helping you identify feelings and sensations. While this happens, stimuli is introduced helping reduce the emotional charge associated with the memory.
Phase Five consists of installation, where the focus is shifted to the positive beliefs you want to have and build it into the memory.
Phase Six consists of identifying how you feel in your body, to help identify any progress and decrease in symptoms.
Phase Seven is closure, during this phase the clinician helps prepare you for the ‘in-between’ should anything come up between sessions and make a plan for the next session.
Phase Eight is re-evaluation, where the clinician assesses the client's progress and adjusts the plan as needed.
What are the benefits from EMDR?
Reduced PTSD Symptoms
Improved Emotional Regulation
Positive Belief Changes
Increased Resilience
Studies have found that by following this form of treatment, 94% of single-trauma sufferers and 77% of people impacted by multiple traumas show no diagnosable PTSD following six EMDR sessions.
Who benefits from EMDR?
While it is best known for its role in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, its use has been expanded to include a variety of Mental Health Conditions. These conditions include; Anxiety Disorders, Depression and Bipolar Disorders, Grief and Loss, and even Personality Disorders.
It should be noted that EMDR is only offered by properly trained and licensed mental health clinicians. This form of treatment may not be appropriate or helpful for people with conditions they were born with or passed down through their family, or for those dealing with complications from a brain injury. EMDR also works exclusively for trauma and cannot treat unrelated issues or genetic conditions not caused by traumatic experiences.
-Dawn Buratynski, LMHC
References:
About EMDR therapy. EMDR International Association. (2025, March 10). https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
American Psychological Association. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
Cleveland Clinic medical. (2025, March 19). EMDR therapy: What it is, Procedure & Effectiveness. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy
Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: Addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente journal. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3951033/#:~:text=Of%20particular%20note%20with%20respect,72%25%20in%20the%20fluoxetine%20group.
Team, Z. (2024, August 18). What to know about EMDR therapy. The Couch: A Therapy & Mental Wellness Blog. https://blog.zencare.co/what-to-know-about-emdr/
