Trauma Therapy Resource
How EMDR supports healing
A structured, evidence-based approach that helps the brain process distressing experiences so the past has less power over the present.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy approach developed to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences. During EMDR, a therapist guides you through a structured process while you briefly focus on parts of a difficult memory and engage in bilateral stimulation—often eye movements, alternating sounds, or gentle tapping.
The goal is not to erase a memory. Instead, EMDR may help the memory become less emotionally intense and easier to understand as something that happened in the past, rather than something that still feels present.
You remain in control. EMDR is collaborative. Your therapist will explain each step, help you prepare, and adjust the pace based on your comfort and needs.
How can EMDR help?
Trauma & PTSD
EMDR is widely used for disturbing memories, post-traumatic stress, and experiences that continue to feel unresolved.
Anxiety & Triggers
It may help reduce the intensity of reactions connected to certain memories, situations, beliefs, or reminders.
Painful Beliefs
Processing can support healthier beliefs about safety, responsibility, self-worth, and the ability to cope.
What happens in EMDR therapy?
EMDR follows eight phases. The process is not rushed, and preparation may take more than one session. Your therapist will help you build stability and determine whether EMDR is appropriate before beginning memory reprocessing.
- History and planning: Understanding your concerns, strengths, goals, and experiences.
- Preparation: Building trust, learning grounding skills, and discussing what to expect.
- Assessment: Identifying the memory, emotions, body sensations, and beliefs connected to it.
- Desensitization: Briefly noticing the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation.
- Installation: Strengthening a more adaptive and helpful belief.
- Body scan: Noticing whether distress remains in the body.
- Closure: Returning to a grounded state before the session ends.
- Reevaluation: Checking progress and deciding what needs attention next.
Watch: How EMDR therapy works
This short video offers a helpful visual introduction to EMDR and the brain’s natural capacity for healing.
Common questions
Will I have to tell every detail of what happened?
Not necessarily. EMDR often requires less detailed verbal description than some forms of talk therapy. You and your therapist will decide what feels appropriate and clinically helpful.
Is EMDR hypnosis?
No. You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout the process. You can pause or stop at any time.
How long does EMDR take?
The timeline varies based on your history, goals, current stability, and the number or complexity of experiences being addressed. Your therapist will review progress with you along the way.
Could EMDR be right for you?
A thoughtful conversation with a trained therapist can help you understand your options and determine whether EMDR fits your needs and goals.
This page is for education only and does not replace individualized diagnosis or treatment. EMDR may not be appropriate for everyone; treatment decisions should be made with a qualified mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support in the United States, call or text 988.