Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
A powerful, evidence-based approach to healing from trauma and other distressing life experiences.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. It is widely recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (BLS)—such as guided eye movements, tones, or taps—while you focus on a distressing memory. This process helps the brain's natural information processing system become 'unstuck,' allowing it to integrate the memory in a more adaptive way. You'll still remember what happened, but the intense emotional charge will be gone.
Why EMDR is Effective
EMDR therapy helps the brain resume its natural healing process through several key mechanisms.
Bilateral Stimulation
The use of BLS appears to stimulate the same processes that occur during REM sleep, helping the brain process information and memories.
Adaptive Information Processing (AIP)
EMDR works with the brain's innate system to process experiences to an adaptive resolution, storing them as memories that no longer cause distress.
Memory Reconsolidation
By recalling a memory in a safe state, EMDR allows the memory to be 'updated' with new, less distressing information, changing how it is stored and experienced.
Is EMDR Right For You?
EMDR has been shown to be effective for a wide range of issues beyond PTSD, including: