What is EMDR Therapy?
If you’ve been exploring different therapy options, you may have come across the term EMDR therapy and wondered what it means. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it’s a powerful, evidence-based approach primarily used to treat trauma. But its benefits extend beyond PTSD—it’s also used for anxiety, depression, phobias, and more.
Let’s take a closer look at what EMDR is, how it works, and who it can help.
A Brief Overview
EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, who noticed that certain eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts. Since then, EMDR has evolved into an eight-phase, structured approach that helps people heal from emotional distress caused by difficult or traumatic life experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require clients to go into detail about the trauma. Instead, it focuses on helping the brain reprocess and release painful memories that are "stuck" or unprocessed.
How Does EMDR Work?
Traumatic memories are sometimes stored in the brain in a raw, unprocessed form. This can cause the brain to get "stuck" in a state of distress—replaying the memory, triggering anxiety, or influencing self-beliefs.
EMDR uses a technique called bilateral stimulation—usually in the form of eye movements, tapping, or sounds that alternate from one side of the body to the other. While engaging in this stimulation, the client focuses briefly on a traumatic memory. This allows the brain to reprocess the memory in a way that feels less intense and overwhelming.
Think of it like updating a file on your computer: EMDR helps take a distressing memory and re-save it in a way that no longer causes emotional disruption.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
EMDR follows an eight-phase model, which includes:
History Taking & Treatment Planning – Understanding your background and identifying the memories to target.
Preparation – Learning calming techniques and understanding the process.
Assessment – Identifying the specific memory, emotions, and negative beliefs.
Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation while focusing on the memory.
Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs about yourself.
Body Scan – Checking for lingering tension and processing it.
Closure – Returning to a place of calm at the end of each session.
Reevaluation – Tracking progress and identifying future targets.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is widely known for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it’s also used for:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression
Grief and loss
Performance anxiety
Phobias
Childhood trauma
Relationship issues
Because EMDR doesn’t rely on traditional talk therapy, it can be especially helpful for people who struggle to put their trauma into words.
Final Thoughts
EMDR therapy is not about erasing memories—it’s about reducing their emotional charge so you can move forward. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed by past events, or caught in patterns that don’t serve you, EMDR may offer a new path toward healing.
At Flowing Springs Therapy, we offer EMDR as part of our holistic approach to therapy. If you’re curious about whether it’s a good fit for you, we’d be happy to talk more.