Letting Your Brain Heal Itself
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, eight-phase psychotherapy that helps people heal from the emotional distress and symptoms resulting from disturbing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on enabling the brain to process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their lasting emotional impact.
Who Created EMDR?
EMDR was developed by American psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. Shapiro created the therapy based on her observation that eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts. She then developed the structured approach known as EMDR, which is based on her Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.
The AIP model suggests that the brain has a natural ability to process and heal from trauma, much like the body heals from a physical wound. When a traumatic event occurs, the memory can become "stuck" in the brain's limbic system (associated with emotions and sensation), disconnected from the rational part of the brain. This "stuck" memory retains the vivid, raw emotions, images, and physical sensations of the original event. EMDR aims to unblock this system to allow for natural healing.
Perspectives in EMDR
The Therapist's Perspective
The EMDR therapist serves as a facilitator of the client's natural healing process. Their goal is not to interpret the memory or tell the client what to think or feel, but to provide a secure environment and a specific protocol that guides the client's brain toward an adaptive resolution.
From the therapist’s viewpoint, the symptoms a client experiences (like flashbacks or panic) are the result of unprocessed memories that are being constantly triggered. The therapy's aim is a trait change, not just a state change. That is, they seek to build a "new highway in the brain" (as some therapists describe it) that fundamentally changes how the client views themselves and the world, transforming the painful event into a neutral historical memory (Shapiro, 2001).
The Client's Perspective
The client shifts from viewing themselves as damaged or defined by a trauma to recognizing that the source of their current distress is a memory network that needs to be properly processed. The client is the one in full control of the session and the pace of the processing. They learn that they do not need to verbally recount every detail of the trauma to the therapist. Instead, the focus is on holding the disturbing memory in mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation. While it can be emotionally intense in the moment, the ultimate client goal is to remember the event without the associated emotional charge or negative self-belief (e.g., shifting from "I am helpless" to "I survived, and I am strong").
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase approach, ensuring readiness and stability before processing begins. A key part of the session is the use of bilateral stimulation (BLS).
Preparation (Resourcing): Before memory reprocessing begins, the therapist works with the client to establish a strong coping toolkit (e.g., breathing exercises, guided imagery of a safe place) to manage any distress during processing.
Assessment and Targeting: The client identifies a specific memory to work on, including:
The most vivid visual image of the memory.
The negative belief about themselves associated with the event (e.g., "I am not safe").
The desired positive belief (e.g., "I am safe now").
The emotions and the location of the body sensations linked to the memory.
Desensitization (Processing): The core of the technique. The client focuses on the disturbing memory while simultaneously engaging in BLS. This is typically done through:
Eye Movements: Following the therapist's hand or a light bar moving side-to-side.
Tapping: Alternating tactile stimulation via hand-held buzzers or tapping on the knees/shoulders.
Auditory Tones: Alternating sounds through headphones.
The therapist conducts sets of BLS for about 30 seconds at a time. After each set, the client is asked to simply notice what came up (a new thought, image, feeling, or sensation) and the process is repeated until the memory's distress level reduces significantly.
Installation and Closure: Once the negative feeling is gone, the client focuses on installing the desired positive belief until it feels completely true. The session concludes with grounding techniques to ensure the client leaves feeling calm and stable.
How EMDR Can Help a Person
EMDR helps a person by facilitating the brain's natural ability to heal, specifically by:
Detaching Emotion from Memory: The core goal is to take a traumatic memory (which feels like it's happening now) and move it into the past, where it is stored as a neutral, factual event without the overwhelming emotional charge.
Creating Adaptive Beliefs: By reprocessing, the client moves away from negative self-blaming beliefs and replaces them with a positive, realistic self-view (e.g., moving from "It was my fault" to "I did the best I could").
Relief from Triggers: As the memory is processed, present-day triggers lose their power. The sights, sounds, or feelings that once caused a panic attack or flashback no longer elicit the same intense, debilitating emotional and physical response.
Common Uses and Applications (DSM-5 Disorders and Life Problems)
EMDR is most well-known and strongly supported by clinical guidelines (including the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association) for the treatment of:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Acute Stress Disorder
However, based on the AIP model, its use has expanded to address any symptoms rooted in earlier, unresolved distressing life events. It is commonly used for:
Panic Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Phobias
Major Depressive Disorder
Complex Trauma
Adjustment Issues
Perseveration
Grief and Loss (especially complex or traumatic grief)
Performance Anxiety
Start Your Journey of Healing
If you are ready to let go of the emotional charge of the past and reclaim your life in the present, EMDR therapy can help.
In order to do EMDR, clinicians must have completed an EMDRIA™ Approved Basic Training. All clinicians listed below are Basic Trained with some of our clinicians being EMDRIA Certified Therapists™, EMDRIA Approved Consultants™ in Training, or EMDRIA Approved Consultant™.
Our specialized therapists are trained in the EMDR protocol and can guide you through the process of adaptive healing.
