What is EMDR Therapy?

“Trauma is not the bad things that happen to you, but what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.” - Gabor Mate

Some researchers suggest that EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) works by engaging the same brain mechanisms that are active during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The back-and-forth eye movements used in EMDR help create a neurobiological state similar to REM sleep, allowing the brain to process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their intensity.

In EMDR therapy, the client focuses on the troubling image or negative thought while simultaneously moving their eyes back and forth. As this happens, a variety of thoughts, feelings, memories, and sensations may arise. The eye movements encourage the brain to form new associations and neural connections, gradually diminishing the emotional charge of the traumatic memory.

Throughout EMDR therapy, individuals are also encouraged to address any negative beliefs they may have about themselves as a result of their trauma. If these beliefs are linked to the traumatic experience, EMDR helps to reframe them, fostering a healthier, more positive self-image.

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase treatment process, but the number of sessions required depends on the individual's unique needs and history.

Who is a Good Candidate?

EMDR therapy is an effective treatment for individuals of all ages and can address a wide range of mental health conditions. While it is most commonly associated with treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it is also helpful for those dealing with acute stress disorder, panic attacks, or anxiety related to trauma. Additionally, EMDR can support people who have experienced traumatic attachment wounds, such as difficult breakups, divorces, or unexpected losses. Keep in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive—any time overwhelming, negative thoughts take over your life, EMDR could offer relief. The goal of this therapy is to reduce the power of those negative thoughts and replace them with healthier, more positive perspectives by shifting your focus to reclaim your power.

Some signs that EMDR therapy might be a good fit for you:

  • You find it difficult to open up or talk about your emotions.

  • You've tried traditional therapy, but haven’t seen the progress you expected.

  • You're already in therapy but are seeking an additional approach to complement your existing work.

  • You feel trapped in your own thoughts and crave relief from the mental strain.

  • You’re ready to process past trauma and emotions in order to reduce their impact on your life.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

  • Reshapes Past Events

    Creating a new lens to see past events can be just as life altering as the traumatic events. This different view allows individuals to reclaim their power over the current life adaptations the trauma has created. Combined with eye movements and guidance from your therapist, accessing these memories helps you reprocess what you remember from the traumatic event. This reprocessing helps "repair" the mental injury from that memory.

  • Improves Relationships with Self & Others

    Traumatic events often change the way we view the world, ourselves, and others. This may result in a negative cognition, such as "I can't trust anyone", "The world is dangerous", or "I am worthless", that will impact our quality of life and ability to have meaningful relationships. EMDR aims to help individuals modify these beliefs in order to improve one's self-worth as well as relationship health.

  • Enhances Physical Health

    EMDR therapy views the mind and body as interconnected. It not only addresses the psychological effects of trauma, but also the physiological. There is a growing amount of research that shows EMDR can be used to alleviate physical pain and symptoms associated with trauma, as this approach focuses on helping individuals process and integrate their traumatic experiences, including experiences related to physical pain.

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

— Carl Jung