Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones) while you briefly focus on distressing memories to reduce their emotional intensity and help your brain process them in a healthier way.
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What is EMDR Therapy?
How EMDR Works
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy designed to help the brain “re-file” distressing experiences so they feel less intense and less triggering in everyday life. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (BLS)—most commonly side-to-side eye movements, alternating taps, or alternating tones—while you briefly focus on aspects of a distressing memory or present-day trigger. Over time, this process aims to reduce the emotional charge of the memory, shift negative self-beliefs that formed around it (like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault”), and help the body settle.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR?
EMDR is often considered when distress is linked to specific memories, themes, or triggers that continue to disrupt daily functioning—even when you understand logically that you’re safe or past it.
EMDR may help with:
- PTSD
- Obsessive-compulsive symptoms
- Betrayal Trauma
- Phobias/Fears
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Substance Abuse
- Dissociation
What to Expect in EMDR
In EMDR therapy, you’ll begin by discussing your goals and history, building coping skills, and creating a plan for what you want to target. When it’s time to reprocess, your therapist will guide you to briefly focus on a memory or trigger while using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones). You’ll notice what comes up—thoughts, emotions, body sensations, or images—while the therapist helps you stay within a tolerable range and continues until distress decreases and a more adaptive belief feels true. Sessions usually end with grounding and closure, and later sessions start with a check-in to track progress and decide next targets.
Meet Your Care Team
Our specialized clinicians are experts in treating this condition and are here to support your journey to wellness.
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Roman Picarello
LAC
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Taylor Aasand
Dietitian
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Marcus Earle
PhD, LMFT, CSAT, CST, S-PSB
FAQs About EMDR Therapy
How long does EMDR take?
It depends on your goals, history, and how complex the targets are. Some people work on a single event in fewer sessions, while others use EMDR over a longer period for multiple experiences or longstanding patterns. Your therapist will help set expectations based on your situation
Is EMDR safe? What if I feel overwhelmed?
EMDR is designed to be paced and stabilized, and it includes preparation and closure steps to support regulation. If you feel overwhelmed, your therapist can slow down, use grounding strategies, and adjust the approach. You should always feel able to pause at any time.
Can EMDR work if I don’t remember everything clearly?
Yes. EMDR can be effective even when memories are fuzzy, fragmented, or more body-based than story-based. Therapy may focus on present-day triggers, emotions, or sensations connected to the experience rather than perfect recall.
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