790 Lafayette Road, Medina, Ohio 44256, United States
Video
What Is EMDR and How Does It Help in Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach developed by Francine Shapiro. It helps people heal from distressing or traumatic experiences by changing how those memories are stored and accessed in the brain.
How EMDR Works (in simple terms)
When something overwhelming happens, the brain may not fully process the memory. It can get “stuck,” continuing to trigger strong emotions, body sensations, and negative beliefs (like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault”).
During EMDR, the therapist guides the client to briefly focus on a distressing memory while using bilateral stimulation—most commonly side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds. This dual attention appears to help the brain reprocess the memory so it becomes less emotionally charged and more adaptive.
What Clients Typically Experience
- The memory becomes less intense and feels more distant
- New, healthier insights may emerge (“I survived,” “I did the best I could”)
- Emotional and physical reactions calm down
- The client can recall the event without being overwhelmed
Importantly, EMDR doesn’t require clients to give long, detailed verbal accounts of the trauma—many find this gentler than traditional talk therapy.
The 8 Phases of EMDR (Brief Overview)
- History & Treatment Planning – identifying targets and readiness
- Preparation – building safety, coping, and grounding skills
- Assessment – activating the memory, belief, emotion, and body sensations
- Desensitization – bilateral stimulation while the memory reprocesses
- Installation – strengthening a positive belief
- Body Scan – clearing residual physical distress
- Closure – returning to emotional stability
- Reevaluation – checking progress and future targets
What EMDR Is Used For
EMDR is well known for treating trauma and PTSD, but it’s also effective for:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression linked to past experiences
- Childhood attachment wounds
- Grief and loss
- Medical trauma or birth trauma
- Performance blocks and phobias
It’s recognized by organizations such as the EMDR International Association and recommended by many clinical guidelines.
Why EMDR Can Be So Effective
- Works with both mind and body
- Helps resolve root causes, not just manage symptoms
- Often leads to faster relief than talk therapy alone
- Empowers clients without requiring repeated retelling of trauma