After a traumatic experience, the effects can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Memories may interrupt your day, disturb your sleep, or leave you feeling constantly on edge. You may avoid certain places, conversations, or activities because they remind you of what happened.When these reactions continue or interfere with daily life, speaking with a qualified mental health professional can help you understand what you are experiencing and explore treatment options.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, commonly called EMDR, is an evidence-based psychotherapy used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may help reduce the distress connected with traumatic memories and support a greater sense of safety and control.
Experiencing trauma does not necessarily mean that you have PTSD or that EMDR is the right treatment for you. An assessment can help determine what kind of support may be most appropriate.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured form of trauma-focused psychotherapy. During part of the treatment, you briefly focus on a distressing memory while following a therapist’s hand movements with your eyes. Depending on your needs and preferences, the therapist may use alternating taps or sounds instead.The eye movements, tapping, or sounds are only one part of EMDR. Treatment also includes assessment, preparation, memory processing, and regular review of your progress. The purpose of EMDR is not to erase the memory or change what happened. Instead, treatment may help you remember the experience without feeling overwhelmed by the same level of fear, shame, helplessness, or distress.It may also help you develop a more balanced understanding of yourself and what happened. For example, someone may begin to recognize that being unable to prevent a traumatic event does not mean they were responsible for it.Everyone’s recovery looks different. EMDR should support your goals and understanding rather than require you to forgive someone, forget what happened, or adopt a particular interpretation of the event.EMDR should be provided by a qualified mental health professional who has appropriate EMDR training and experience treating trauma-related concerns. Eye movements or tapping on their own do not constitute EMDR therapy.
How is EMDR Thought To Work?
Research supports EMDR as a treatment for PTSD, but there is no single, universally accepted explanation for exactly how it works. Researchers continue to study the processes involved. One part of EMDR is called bilateral stimulation. This means that stimulation alternates from one side of the body to the other. Guided eye movements are commonly used, although tapping or sounds may be appropriate alternatives.Another important part of EMDR is dual attention. You focus on aspects of the memory while also staying aware of the present moment and the therapist’s office. This helps you maintain contact with the here and now while processing difficult material.
One theory is that recalling a distressing memory while completing another task places demands on working memory. This may make the memory feel less vivid or emotionally intense. This is one proposed explanation, not a complete account of how EMDR works. Other processes may also contribute to the treatment’s effects.
EMDR also addresses the beliefs that can become connected to traumatic experiences. These may include beliefs such as:
It was my fault.
I am not safe.
I have no control.
I am permanently damaged.
During treatment, the therapist helps you consider a more balanced belief that feels realistic and personally meaningful. The goal is not to replace your experience with forced positivity.
If you are still facing danger or an ongoing threat, treatment must address your actual safety. EMDR should not assume that the danger is over when it is not.
EMDR treatment for trauma and PTSD
Clinical guidelines recognize EMDR as one treatment option for PTSD. Other established treatments include Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure.
No single approach works best for everyone. The decision may depend on your symptoms, treatment history, personal preferences, current circumstances, and the clinician’s assessment. EMDR should not automatically be considered better or faster than other evidence-based treatments.
The Eight Phases Of EMDR Therapy
EMDR is commonly described as an eight-phase treatment. These phases do not necessarily take place in eight sessions. Some may take several appointments, and others may be revisited as treatment develops.
The approach considers past experiences, current triggers, and situations you may face in the future.
Before processing traumatic memories, your therapist should explain the treatment, possible benefits and difficulties, available alternatives, and your right to pause or stop. The pace should be adjusted to your current safety, support system, and ability to remain grounded in the present.
1. History taking and treatment planning
Your therapist asks about your current symptoms, relevant experiences, health concerns, supports, and goals. Together, you discuss whether EMDR is appropriate and decide which concerns to address first.
2. Preparation
The therapist explains how EMDR works and establishes a way for you to pause the process. You may also learn strategies to manage distress during and between sessions.
Preparation is an important part of treatment. It helps you feel more informed and gives you tools to use if difficult emotions arise.
3. Assessment
You and your therapist identify a target memory. You may discuss the image, emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations connected to it.
You will also establish a starting point for monitoring how distress changes during treatment.
4. Desensitization
You briefly focus on the target memory while engaging in sets of bilateral stimulation. The therapist pauses regularly so you can notice what you are experiencing.
You may report thoughts, emotions, images, or physical sensations as they arise. The therapist helps you continue at a pace that is manageable.
5. Installation
Once the distress connected with the memory has decreased, the therapist helps you strengthen a more adaptive belief.
For example, a person may move from “I am powerless” toward “I have choices now.” The belief should be realistic and meaningful to you rather than imposed by the therapist.
6. Body scan
You notice whether any physical discomfort remains when you think about the memory and the new belief.
The therapist may explore lingering sensations or discomfort. This step does not mean that every physical or psychological symptom has been resolved.
7. Closure
Each session ends with a return to the present moment. Your therapist may review coping strategies and discuss how to manage the time between appointments.
This happens even if the memory-processing work is not complete. The goal is to help you leave the session feeling oriented and supported.
8. Reevaluation
At the beginning of later sessions, you and your therapist review what has changed and what concerns remain.
The treatment plan may be adjusted depending on your progress, current symptoms, and treatment goals.
Potential benefits of EMDR
EMDR can reduce PTSD symptoms and the distress associated with traumatic memories. Progress may also be measured by changes in daily functioning and movement toward your personal goals.
Results vary from person to person. Improvement should be monitored rather than assumed
You may not need to describe every detail
EMDR usually does not require you to give a detailed verbal account of every part of a traumatic event. You will still discuss enough information for the therapist to understand your concerns and plan treatment.
You can ask questions about the process and discuss any concerns about sharing information.
Written homework is usually limited
EMDR does not typically involve extensive written homework. Your therapist may still suggest practising coping strategies, using grounding techniques, or paying attention to important reactions between sessions.
Treatment preferences matter
Different people respond differently to therapy. An approach that feels acceptable and manageable can make it easier to stay engaged in treatment.
Having a choice among evidence-based treatments allows your preferences to be part of the decision.
Limitations and possible difficulties
EMDR can be emotionally demanding. Focusing on traumatic material may temporarily increase distress. Some people also notice emotional reactions, changes in dreams, or increased sensitivity between sessions.
Tell your therapist if this happens. Distress by itself does not prove that treatment is working, and you should not feel pressured to push through overwhelming reactions.
EMDR may need to be adapted when someone is experiencing ongoing danger, significant dissociation, acute safety concerns, or other complex needs. Treatment may involve slower pacing, additional support, or coordination with other healthcare providers.
Other mental or physical health conditions do not automatically prevent someone from receiving EMDR. However, EMDR does not replace medical care or other psychological treatment that may be necessary.
The strongest established evidence for EMDR is for PTSD. It is also being studied for other concerns, but the research and recommended protocols vary. If you are considering EMDR for something other than PTSD, ask your clinician how the available evidence applies to your situation and what other treatments may be suitable. Meaningful improvement is possible, but the pace and extent of recovery differ from person to person. You and your therapist should regularly review your progress and consider changes if treatment is not meeting your needs.
About The Author
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Alberta, and my practice focuses on psychological assessment and therapy for adults. I have completed EMDR Level 1 and Level 2 training in addition to other modalities.
EMDR may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan after assessing a client’s needs, preferences, and suitability. As a Registered Provisional Psychologist, my practice is subject to the College of Alberta Psychologists’ supervision requirements.
This article provides general educational information. It is not a diagnosis, an individual treatment recommendation, or a substitute for professional care.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
Q2. Who may benefit from EMDR?
Adults experiencing PTSD or significant trauma-related symptoms may wish to discuss EMDR with a qualified clinician.Whether it is appropriate depends on your symptoms, current circumstances, treatment goals, support needs, and overall mental health. This article focuses on EMDR for adults.
Q3: Do I have to describe every detail of what happened?
Usually not. You will discuss your concerns and relevant history, but you generally do not need to describe every detail of the traumatic experience.Ask your therapist how much information is needed, raise any concerns you have, and request a pause if you need one.
Q4: Can EMDR help with other mental health concerns?
Sometimes EMDR is considered as part of a broader treatment plan when distressing experiences are connected to another concern. A clinician should explain the evidence for your specific difficulty, the limits of that evidence, and the available alternatives. Having a history of trauma does not mean that every symptom has the same cause or requires the same treatment.
Q5: What if I feel overwhelmed during or after a session?
Tell your therapist. You can work together to review the pace of treatment, coping strategies, and your support plan.
You do not have to assume that pushing through overwhelming distress is necessary. Before treatment begins, ask how to seek help between appointments and what to do if you need urgent support.
Q6: How long does EMDR take?
EMDR sessions commonly last between 50 and 90 minutes, although this varies between practices.
The overall length of treatment depends on your goals, the complexity of your concerns, preparation needs, and your response to therapy. A fixed number of sessions cannot be promised in advance.
Q7: How can I decide whether EMDR is right for me?
Ask about the clinician’s professional registration, EMDR training, and experience with concerns similar to yours.