About EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.Â
EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy helps children and adults of all ages. Therapists use EMDR to address a wide range of challenges:
What to expect in an EMDR session
Many people feel nervous before their first session. Here is the good news: EMDR is structured, collaborative, and moves at your pace. You never have to describe your experiences in detail for it to work.
Getting started
Your therapist gets to know you and your unique strengths and needs. Along with your therapist, you develop a treatment plan that is uniquely designed for you. You develop resources and investigate the experiential root of your present symptoms.
Reprocessing
Using a selected memory, your therapist guides you through the EMDR reprocessing phase with bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements or gentle taps. This helps you know and feel that the past events are over and in the past.
Feeling the shift
Over sessions, distressing memories feel less overwhelming. Many people experience feeling more present and less triggered by things that previously bothered them.
Sessions typically run 60 to 90 minutes. EMDR is effective in person and via telehealth.
Backed by decades of research
EMDR is one of the most extensively researched trauma therapies in the world, with recognition from leading health organizations:
Keep learning
Want plain-language answers about EMDR, trauma, and what your first session will be like? Our free Learn library has guides written for anyone considering therapy, plus recommended reading from our team. New articles are added regularly.
Ready to take the next step?
Every therapist in our directory is trained in EMDR. Search by location and specialty to find one who fits you.
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