Do you experience repeated disturbing memories, thoughts, or images of a stressful experience from the past?
Do you ever suddenly act or feel as if a stressful experience were happening again, as if you were reliving it?
Do you experience physical reactions (e.g., heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating), when something reminds you of a stressful experience from the past?
If any of these sound like you, you may be a good candidate for EMDR Therapy.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals heal from trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Complex PTSD.
EMDR works by:
During an EMDR session, clients focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (more on this in following sections). This dual focus helps reduce the vividness and emotional charge of the memory, enabling clients to process it more effectively and integrate it into their lives with greater ease.
EMDR is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model, which views PTSD symptoms as the result of unprocessed, disturbing memories. These memories are thought to contain the original emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, and beliefs from the time of the event, remaining “stuck” in the brain and body.
When these memories are triggered—often by sights, sounds, or even emotions similar to the original event—they resurface, causing symptoms such as:
EMDR helps by targeting the memory itself, working to reprocess and reorganize it in the brain. This process doesn’t erase the memory but changes how it’s stored, so it no longer causes overwhelming distress.
BLS refers to the use of stimuli that alternate between both sides of the body, engaging both sides of the brain. In EMDR, the most common form of BLS involves guided eye movements, where your therapist asks you to follow a moving object, such as their hand or a light bar, with your eyes.
Other forms of BLS include:
When we experience trauma, our brain can become “stuck,” leaving distressing memories, emotions, and physical sensations unprocessed. These unresolved memories often resurface as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or emotional distress, making it feel as though the traumatic event is happening all over again.
BLS is thought to help “unstick” these memories by engaging both hemispheres of the brain, allowing the nervous system to process and integrate the experience.
During EMDR, your therapist will guide you to focus on a distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in BLS. This process appears to create a unique state in the brain where past experiences can be processed more effectively, leading to:
Although the exact mechanisms behind BLS are still being studied, here’s what we know:
EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase approach. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during treatment:
In the first phase, your therapist will gather your full history and conduct preliminary assessments to understand your needs. Together, you will identify targets for treatment, which may include:
This collaborative process ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to your unique experiences and objectives.
In the preparation phases, your therapist will explain the EMDR treatment process, including how BLS such as eye movements will be used. To build emotional resilience, your therapist will guide you through exercises like the Safe/Calm Place exercise, equipping you with the tools necessary to manage strong emotions during and between sessions.
This phase involves activating the specific memory you’ll work on during the session. Your therapist will help you identify and assess the memory’s components, including:
Completion of this phase ensures the memory will be fully activated, providing a clear focus for processing.
Desensitization: In this phase, you focus on the memory while engaging in BLS. After each set of BLS, you’ll report any new thoughts, feelings, or images that arise. Your therapist then uses these insights to guide the next set of BLS. This process continues until the memory no longer causes significant distress.
Installation: Once the distressing aspects of the memory are resolved, your therapist will help you strengthen a positive cognition to replace the negative belief. For example, if the initial belief was “I am powerless,” the new belief might be “I am in control of my life.”
Body Scan: In this phase, you will be asked to notice any physical sensations in your body while thinking of the memory and the positive cognition. If any tension or discomfort remains, additional BLS is used to process these sensations, ensuring complete resolution.
Closure: At the end of the session, your therapist will ensure you feel grounded and safe. If the targeted memory hasn’t been fully processed, containment techniques and self-care strategies are provided to help you manage until the next session.
The final phase begins at the start of your next session, where your therapist will evaluate the progress made. This includes:
Your therapist will then use this information to guide the next session and ensure continued healing.
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR therapy, PTSD, and how treatment can help, here are some valuable resources to explore:
Understanding the EMDR Process
Case Example from the American Psychological Association (APA): This page provides an in-depth case example of a 32-year-old Iraq War Veteran who underwent EMDR therapy, offering further insight into how the process works. Read more on the APA website.
Screening Tools for PTSD
If you’re wondering whether EMDR might be right for you, screening tools like the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) can help identify whether you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) – Civilian Version: A self-report questionnaire designed for individuals who have experienced non-combat-related trauma.
PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) – Military Version: A version tailored for veterans and active-duty military personnel who have experienced combat or service-related trauma.
Note: Higher scores on the PCL-5 suggest a greater likelihood of PTSD, but only a qualified mental health professional can provide an official diagnosis.
Learning More About PTSD
Basics of Understanding PTSD: Learn about the symptoms, causes, and effects of PTSD, including how it develops and common treatment options.
Explore specific aspects of PTSD, such as:
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