Understanding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

A therapist taking notes while conducting emdr therapy

What is EMDR trauma therapy? EMDR therapy is a type of trauma therapy that helps people process traumatic memories and heal from distressing life experiences. It was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro and is recognized as an effective treatment by numerous national and international organizations.

During EMDR, a therapist may ask you to focus on a selected memory while following a back-and-forth movement, sound or other form of stimulation. The therapist prepares you for this work and monitors your response throughout treatment.

The therapy typically involves eight phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. The therapist will work with the patient to identify and target specific traumatic memories and develop coping skills to manage any distress that may arise during the process.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR therapy works by activating the brain’s natural healing processes to process traumatic memories in a more adaptive way. The bilateral stimulation used during the therapy is thought to help the brain integrate the traumatic memory into a more comprehensive and less distressing narrative.

Research suggests that EMDR therapy may also help regulate the amygdala, a part of the brain that is involved in the body’s stress response. By regulating the amygdala, EMDR therapy may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and other emotional disturbances associated with trauma.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is typically used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but may also be helpful for other conditions related to trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. It may also be useful for individuals who have experienced a single traumatic event, such as a car accident or natural disaster.

EMDR therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, although some patients may experience temporary distress during the process. It is important to work with a trained and licensed therapist who is experienced in EMDR therapy to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Founding Principles and History of EMDR Trauma Therapy

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy technique that was developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, a psychologist. Shapiro was initially experimenting with different methods to reduce the intensity of her own disturbing memories when she discovered that moving her eyes back and forth seemed to have a positive effect. This led her to develop EMDR as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model is the theoretical foundation of EMDR. According to this model, traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain’s memory networks, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. EMDR seeks to reprocess these memories, allowing the brain to integrate the traumatic experience into the individual’s overall life experience.

EMDR has been recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD by numerous organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) was established in 1995 to promote the highest standards of excellence and integrity in EMDR practice, research, and education.

What is the Structure of EMDR Therapy?

EMDR follows eight phases: history and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation. Before memory processing, you and your therapist discuss your history, treatment goals and ways to manage distress. Your therapist reviews your response and adjusts the plan as treatment progresses.

Read more about the eight phases of EMDR therapy from the EMDR International Association.

How does EMDR therapy help with Traumatic Memories?

EMDR therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that is designed to help individuals process traumatic memories. Traumatic memories can be incredibly difficult to deal with and can lead to a wide range of negative emotions and behaviors. EMDR therapy is designed to help individuals reprocess these memories in a safe and controlled environment.

During EMDR therapy, the therapist will guide the individual through a series of eye movements while they focus on the traumatic memory. This process is designed to help the individual reprocess the memory in a way that is less distressing. As the memory is reprocessed, the individual may experience a reduction in negative emotions and beliefs related to the memory.

One of the key benefits of EMDR therapy is that it can help individuals replace negative beliefs with positive ones. For example, an individual who has experienced a traumatic event may believe that they are weak or powerless. Through EMDR therapy, they can replace this negative belief with a more positive one, such as “I am strong and capable.”

How do Eye Movements Play a Role in EMDR Trauma Therapy?

Eye movements are a crucial component of EMDR therapy. The therapist will guide you through a series of lateral eye movements, either by following their fingers or a light bar, while you focus on a traumatic memory. This process is called bilateral stimulation and is believed to help the brain process and integrate the memory in a more adaptive way.

The exact mechanism behind why eye movements are effective in EMDR therapy is still not fully understood. However, there are several theories. One theory suggests that the eye movements mimic the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, which is when the brain processes memories. Another theory suggests that the eye movements activate both hemispheres of the brain, which allows for more efficient processing of the traumatic memory.

It is important to note that eye movements are not the only form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy. Other forms of bilateral stimulation include tapping or holding vibrating paddles.

EMDR in Different Populations

Can EMDR therapy help children and adults who have experienced trauma? Yes, EMDR therapy is a well-researched and effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions related to traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy has been used successfully with many different populations, including children and adults.

EMDR therapy can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each individual, including children. EMDR therapy for children may involve the use of play therapy, art therapy, or other techniques to help them feel more comfortable and engaged in the therapy process. EMDR therapy can also be used to treat a range of mental health conditions in children, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.

For adults, EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment for PTSD, as well as other mental health conditions related to traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy may also be used to treat addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Research and Efficacy of EMDR

EMDR is a treatment option for PTSD. Research on a treatment does not predict an individual person’s outcome, and the approach should be selected with a qualified clinician. The National Center for PTSD explains EMDR and what treatment involves.

How does EMDR Compare to Other Trauma Therapies?

EMDR is a form of psychotherapy. Other trauma-focused approaches include cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure. The choice depends on your needs, preferences and clinical assessment; one approach is not automatically faster or better for everyone.

For information about EMDR as part of care at Sabino, visit our EMDR therapy page or speak with the admissions team about available treatment options.

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EMDR Trauma Therapy for PTSD & Trauma: Everything You Should Know

May 12, 2022

Trauma

Clinically Reviewed by: Stephanie Ballard PhD, LPCC, CADC

Understanding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

A therapist taking notes while conducting emdr therapy

What is EMDR trauma therapy? EMDR therapy is a type of trauma therapy that helps people process traumatic memories and heal from distressing life experiences. It was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro and is recognized as an effective treatment by numerous national and international organizations.

During EMDR, a therapist may ask you to focus on a selected memory while following a back-and-forth movement, sound or other form of stimulation. The therapist prepares you for this work and monitors your response throughout treatment.

The therapy typically involves eight phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. The therapist will work with the patient to identify and target specific traumatic memories and develop coping skills to manage any distress that may arise during the process.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR therapy works by activating the brain's natural healing processes to process traumatic memories in a more adaptive way. The bilateral stimulation used during the therapy is thought to help the brain integrate the traumatic memory into a more comprehensive and less distressing narrative.

Research suggests that EMDR therapy may also help regulate the amygdala, a part of the brain that is involved in the body's stress response. By regulating the amygdala, EMDR therapy may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and other emotional disturbances associated with trauma.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is typically used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but may also be helpful for other conditions related to trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. It may also be useful for individuals who have experienced a single traumatic event, such as a car accident or natural disaster.

EMDR therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, although some patients may experience temporary distress during the process. It is important to work with a trained and licensed therapist who is experienced in EMDR therapy to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Founding Principles and History of EMDR Trauma Therapy

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy technique that was developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, a psychologist. Shapiro was initially experimenting with different methods to reduce the intensity of her own disturbing memories when she discovered that moving her eyes back and forth seemed to have a positive effect. This led her to develop EMDR as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model is the theoretical foundation of EMDR. According to this model, traumatic experiences can become "stuck" in the brain's memory networks, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. EMDR seeks to reprocess these memories, allowing the brain to integrate the traumatic experience into the individual's overall life experience.

EMDR has been recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD by numerous organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) was established in 1995 to promote the highest standards of excellence and integrity in EMDR practice, research, and education.

What is the Structure of EMDR Therapy?


EMDR follows eight phases: history and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation. Before memory processing, you and your therapist discuss your history, treatment goals and ways to manage distress. Your therapist reviews your response and adjusts the plan as treatment progresses.


Read more about the eight phases of EMDR therapy from the EMDR International Association.

How does EMDR therapy help with Traumatic Memories?

EMDR therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that is designed to help individuals process traumatic memories. Traumatic memories can be incredibly difficult to deal with and can lead to a wide range of negative emotions and behaviors. EMDR therapy is designed to help individuals reprocess these memories in a safe and controlled environment.

During EMDR therapy, the therapist will guide the individual through a series of eye movements while they focus on the traumatic memory. This process is designed to help the individual reprocess the memory in a way that is less distressing. As the memory is reprocessed, the individual may experience a reduction in negative emotions and beliefs related to the memory.

One of the key benefits of EMDR therapy is that it can help individuals replace negative beliefs with positive ones. For example, an individual who has experienced a traumatic event may believe that they are weak or powerless. Through EMDR therapy, they can replace this negative belief with a more positive one, such as "I am strong and capable."

How do Eye Movements Play a Role in EMDR Trauma Therapy?

Eye movements are a crucial component of EMDR therapy. The therapist will guide you through a series of lateral eye movements, either by following their fingers or a light bar, while you focus on a traumatic memory. This process is called bilateral stimulation and is believed to help the brain process and integrate the memory in a more adaptive way.

The exact mechanism behind why eye movements are effective in EMDR therapy is still not fully understood. However, there are several theories. One theory suggests that the eye movements mimic the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, which is when the brain processes memories. Another theory suggests that the eye movements activate both hemispheres of the brain, which allows for more efficient processing of the traumatic memory.

It is important to note that eye movements are not the only form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy. Other forms of bilateral stimulation include tapping or holding vibrating paddles.

EMDR in Different Populations

Can EMDR therapy help children and adults who have experienced trauma? Yes, EMDR therapy is a well-researched and effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions related to traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy has been used successfully with many different populations, including children and adults.

EMDR therapy can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each individual, including children. EMDR therapy for children may involve the use of play therapy, art therapy, or other techniques to help them feel more comfortable and engaged in the therapy process. EMDR therapy can also be used to treat a range of mental health conditions in children, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.

For adults, EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment for PTSD, as well as other mental health conditions related to traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy may also be used to treat addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Research and Efficacy of EMDR


EMDR is a treatment option for PTSD. Research on a treatment does not predict an individual person's outcome, and the approach should be selected with a qualified clinician. The National Center for PTSD explains EMDR and what treatment involves.

How does EMDR Compare to Other Trauma Therapies?


EMDR is a form of psychotherapy. Other trauma-focused approaches include cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure. The choice depends on your needs, preferences and clinical assessment; one approach is not automatically faster or better for everyone.


For information about EMDR as part of care at Sabino, visit our EMDR therapy page or speak with the admissions team about available treatment options.

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