What is EMDR?

Alexandera Chamberlain LCSW
May 8
3 min read

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has become increasingly more common as a therapy modality in recent years. However, what is it exactly?

Yellow background with text "What is EMDR Therapy" and a winding path. On white, cartoon eyes and a hand pointing at them.

EMDR is a type of therapy that focuses on the brain's natural capacity for self-healing. This process is a well-established and well-researched treatment that has been proven effective for a variety of mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, self-esteem issues, and substance use.

This method is a way to help your brain, your body, and your heart to be on the same page.

Has there ever been a time when you knew that something was true rationally, but your body and your heart said otherwise? EMDR can help to foster a reconnection.

Structured and adaptable

EMDR involves structured phases of treatment that your therapist will guide you through. The "roadmap" for treatment, length of treatment, and the style of treatment will be unique to you based on the concerns you want to address.

How EMDR works:

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation which can be visual, through sound, or through touch. You can think of this as alternating signals that are coming from your environment.

For example, you may be following a moving object back and forth with your eyes, listening to alternating tones through headphones, or using your hands to alternate tapping during your session.

Bilateral stimulation is thought to simulate a healing process that our brain naturally engages in during REM sleep.

Bilateral stimulation also allows us to revisit past memories and events while staying connected to the present moment. Both of these factors can help to facilitate healing.

What it isn't:

EMDR is not hypnosis. During this process, you will remain fully alert and present, and you can stop or pause at any time.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to provide detailed descriptions of past events or memories. This can be helpful for people who want to work on healing from past events, but have difficulty putting them into words or talking about them at length.

EMDR is not just for treating PTSD (although it is certainly effective for PTSD too). EMDR can be helpful for addressing any experience that had a negative, lasting, and profound impact on your life. These could be experiences that have negatively impacted your sense of safety, your self-worth, or your sense of agency over your life.

What to expect from EMDR:

Working with EMDR is typically facilitated through 60-minute, regularly scheduled sessions. Some people experience tiredness after sessions, which is normal—you may want to take this into consideration when planning the rest of your day.

You also may experience intense emotions, thoughts or bodily sensations while participating in EMDR (similar to those experienced at the time of the memory you are focusing on.)

While this is normal and is temporary, it can be disturbing, so it is important to be aware of this possibility as you consider EMDR. Your therapist will discuss this with you in advance and work with you to practice techniques for managing any disturbances that arise in therapy.

During the session, your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation while focusing on key concerns you want to address. There will be pauses in bilateral stimulation throughout the appointment; during those pauses, you will be invited to share brief updates on what you are noticing.

Successful EMDR treatment can provide lasting benefits. Your memories and experiences will still be there, but the physical and emotional response you have toward them can change.

For example, the gut-wrenching sensation or “sting” associated with a painful memory can diminish, allowing it to become a neutral event from your past.

Interested in learning more?

Check out this 10-minute video on EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/

Connect with us here to ask about scheduling a consult or an appointment.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. Accessing this content does not establish a therapist-patient relationship with Your Path Counseling Center.