What is EMDR Therapy

Written By Madeline

What is EMDR Therapy

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an evidenced-based therapy used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Though originally used to treat trauma, EMDR can be used to treat a wide range of mental health concerns (EMDRIA). 

How EMDR Therapy Works 

EMDR is based on the idea behind that many mental health concerns are the result of how the brain encodes traumatic or adverse life events (EMDRIA). For instance, after a horrific car accident, the brain might encode the belief “I am not safe,” causing the individual to feel constantly on edge even if they are safely at home. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these encodings with more adaptive, rational beliefs. As a result, emotional reactions often decrease.

Preparation and Resourcing in EMDR 

As outlined by Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR, we use bilateral stimulation, or engagement of the right and left sides of the brain, to unlock the nervous system and allow the brain to reprocess the event. This might include:

  • Following a dot on a screen back and forth

  • Following your therapist’s fingers back and forth 

  • Holding hand tappers

  • Listening to alternating tones through headphones 

Your therapist will work with you to find the method that feels most comfortable for you. And yes, this can be done virtually! 

Before beginning EMDR, you’ll work with your therapist to create a timeline of events, or targets, to determine where to begin with reprocessing. In many cases, beginning with the earliest memory helps address the root of current symptoms. By reprocessing the earliest belief, you may find that later life events feel less distressing. 

As part of the preparation process, your therapist will also work with you to establish some grounding techniques, also known as resourcing, to make sure you can feel emotions safely while still being able to integrate new information (Coast to Coast EMDR). 

What Happens During an EMDR Session

After you’ve established your resources and have your initial event, you’re ready for EMDR. Your therapist will guide you through identifying: 

  • An image that represents the memory

  • A negative belief related to the event

  • A positive belief you would like to believe instead

  • Baseline distress and scaling to help track progress 

Your therapist will then guide you through short increments where you’ll use bilateral stimulation while letting your mind move freely. Similar to pressing “play” on a movie screen, you’ll start with the image that represents the event and let your mind take it from there. Our minds were created to heal, so you’ll find that as you sit with these memories, your mind will naturally start integrating more rational beliefs. Some clients notice changes quickly, while others need multiple sessions to fully process the memory. Patience and self-compassion are key. 

What to Expect After an EMDR Session 

Since everyone’s experience with EMDR can vary, how you feel after can vary too. You might find yourself feeling particularly drained or emotional. You might find that you feel fine and can go about your day as usual. It’s normal to experience shifts in thoughts, emotions, or dreams as the brain continues processing. 

On EMDR days, it’s best to avoid any major decisions. If you notice significant distress that doesn't improve with grounding techniques, such as panic attacks, prolonged emotional flooding, psychotic symptoms or extreme dissociation, contact your therapist right away. If you experience any suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others, go to the emergency room or call 988 or 911 immediately. 

Conclusion

It’s not easy to reprocess painful memories from the past, but I’ve seen incredible progress and growth in clients who have used EMDR. I’ve witnessed clients who once felt overwhelmed by grief regain joy, clients who felt stuck in fear learn to trust again, and clients burdened by panic finally feel like they can breathe. 

It’s an honor to walk alongside people as they heal. If you’re interested in learning more about how EMDR might help you, I invite you to connect with me here. 

Sources 

  • EMDR Therapy Training Manual (2023), Roxanne Grobbel, Coast to Coast EMDR

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (2018), Francine Shapiro

  • About EMDR Therapy, EMDR International Association 

Madeline