Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, is a research-supported psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma, PTSD, and other distressing life experiences. Using bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, tapping, or tones. EMDR helps the brain reprocess unresolved memories so they become less emotionally charged and no longer disrupt daily life. EMDR can be used alongside other forms of therapy.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that overwhelming experiences can become "stuck" in the nervous system. These memories remain linked to the emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations from the original event, shaping how we respond to present-day situations. EMDR helps the brain process these memories so they feel integrated rather than overwhelming.
Is EMDR Effective?
EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment by the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Research shows it can reduce symptoms of trauma more quickly than talk therapy alone. Because clients don't have to retell every detail of a traumatic experience, EMDR often feels more manageable while still creating lasting change.
What to Expect
EMDR follows an eight-phase process that includes history taking, preparation, identifying target memories, reprocessing through bilateral stimulation, strengthening positive beliefs, checking for residual distress, closure, and reevaluation. During processing, clients briefly focus on a memory while following bilateral stimulation. As the brain processes the experience, new insights, emotions, and perspectives naturally emerge, allowing old memories to lose their emotional intensity.
Who Can Provide EMDR?
EMDR should be provided by a licensed mental health professional who has completed specialized EMDR training. Many therapists pursue additional certification through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) to deepen their expertise.
References:
Lee, Gale K, R.N., M.N., Beaton, Randal D, PhD, E.M.T., & Ensign, Josephine, R.N., PhD. (2003). Eye movement desensitization & reprocessing. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 41(6), 22-31. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/225537073?accountid=1229
Shapiro, F., & Laliotis, D. (2011). EMDR and the adaptive information processing model: Integrative treatment and case conceptualization. Clinical Social Work Journal, 39(2), 191-200. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10615-010-0300-7
Seidler, G.H. and Wagner, F. E. (2006). Comparing the efficacy of EMDR and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of PTSD: A meta-analytic study. Psychological Medicine, 36(11), 1515-22. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/204490302?accountid=1229