Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-backed therapy originally developed to help people recover from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require someone to go into detail about their painful memories. Instead, it focuses on helping the brain reprocess distressing experiences so that they no longer feel as overwhelming or disruptive in daily life. Over the years, EMDR has been shown to be effective not only for trauma, but also for anxiety, grief, phobias, and other areas where past experiences continue to affect the present.

EMDR works by activating the brain’s natural healing process. During a session, the therapist will guide you to briefly recall a difficult memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following hand movements with your eyes, listening to alternating tones, or tapping. This process helps the brain “unstick” the memory from its original distressing state and reprocess it in a way that feels more manageable and less triggering. Many clients find that after EMDR, the memory is still accessible but no longer carries the same intensity of fear, shame, or distress.

EMDR can be a good fit for people who feel held back by unresolved experiences, whether from a single traumatic event or ongoing stressors. It may be especially helpful if you’ve tried traditional talk therapy and still feel “stuck” or find that past events keep resurfacing despite your best efforts to move forward. EMDR can support individuals dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other issues rooted in difficult life experiences. If you are seeking a way to process the past so that it no longer defines your present, EMDR may be an approach worth exploring.