Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals heal from traumatic or distressing life experiences. When overwhelming events occur, the brain may have difficulty fully processing them, causing memories, emotions, or physical sensations to remain “stuck.” Through eight different phases, EMDR includes learning coping and regulating strategies, addressing negative beliefs, and engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or tones) while recalling aspects past experiences in order to help the brain reprocess them in a healthier way.

EMDR provides clients with an opportunity to alleviate the effect that traumatic experiences cause by reducing negative beliefs and behaviors associated with trauma. The overall aim of EMDR is to allow clients to feel relief, gain new insight, and respond to the present with greater clarity. EMDR is a very well researched therapeutic approach and has proven effective with many age groups presenting with a variety of concerns.