What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer cause intense emotional distress. Based on the Adaptive Information Processing model, EMDR posits that trauma can become "stuck" in the nervous system, causing individuals to relive the images, sounds, and feelings of a past event as if it were still happening. During a session, a therapist guides the patient through bilateral stimulation—typically side-to-side eye movements, rhythmic tapping, or auditory tones—while the patient briefly focuses on a distressing memory. This dual attention helps the brain "digest" the memory, reducing its vividness and emotional charge until it becomes a neutral event that feels firmly rooted in the past.

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    1. History Taking and Treatment Planning

      The therapist gathers a comprehensive history to understand the traumatic events ("targets") that need reprocessing. You’ll identify past memories, current triggers, and future goals, often using a "three-pronged approach" to address the past, present, and future.

    2. Preparation

      Before processing trauma, you must have the tools to handle the emotional distress that may arise. The therapist teaches you self-control and grounding techniques, such as visualization (e.g., a "Safe Place" or "Container") and rhythmic breathing.

    3. Assessment

      Your therapist helps you pinpoint a specific "target" memory and its components: a vivid image, a Negative Cognition (e.g., "I am worthless"), and a desired Positive Cognition (e.g., "I am lovable"). You'll establish baseline scores using the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC) scales.

    4. Desensitization

      This is the core reprocessing phase. You focus on the distressing memory while the therapist provides bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping). The goal is to continue until the distress level (SUD) reaches zero.

    5. Installation

      Once the distress is gone, you use bilateral stimulation to strengthen the Positive Cognition until it feels completely true, even when thinking about the original event.

    6. Body Scan

      You mentally scan your body for any residual physical tension or discomfort while thinking about the target and the positive belief. Any lingering physical sensations are reprocessed until they disappear.

    7. Closure

      Every session concludes with grounding exercises to ensure you feel stable and safe before leaving, even if the processing of a memory isn't yet complete.

    8. Reevaluation

      At the start of the next session, you and your therapist check to ensure that the progress made is still holding and decide whether to continue with the current target or move on to a new one.

  • Stay tuned! Check back after May 27, 2026.

  • Stay tuned! Check back May 27, 2026!

Source: EMDRIA (2019)