What Is EMDR Therapy?

Introduction

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychological approach designed to help individuals work through distressing memories and emotional difficulties. This article outlines how EMDR works, its effectiveness, the 8-phase treatment process, key benefits, and the importance of working with a certified EMDR therapist.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a method that reduces the emotional impact of traumatic experiences by guiding individuals through bilateral stimulation (BLS), such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, while recalling distressing memories. This process helps the brain reorganise and integrate these experiences, making them feel less overwhelming. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to discuss their trauma extensively but instead focuses on changing how the memory is stored, making it easier to process more healthily.

How Effective Is EMDR Therapy?

Research has shown that EMDR is highly effective in treating trauma and related conditions. Studies indicate that 90% of individuals with a single trauma experience significant PTSD symptom reduction after just three 90-minute sessions. Another study found that after six 50-minute sessions, 100% of single-trauma patients and 77% of multiple-trauma patients no longer met PTSD criteria. Among military veterans, 77% experienced significant symptom reduction after 12 sessions. 

There Are More Uses For EMDR Therapy Than You Think

EMDR is also effective for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, chronic pain, eating disorders, and addictions, often delivering results faster than traditional talk therapies.

The 8 Phases Of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy follows a structured 8-phase approach designed to ensure the safe and effective resolution of traumatic memories:

1. History taking and treatment planning – The therapist gathers a detailed history, identifying past trauma, current triggers, and coping strategies to create a personalised treatment plan.

2. Preparation – The therapist focuses on equipping the client with emotional regulation strategies, ensuring they feel stable before trauma processing begins. 

3. Assessment – In this stage, the therapist helps the client identify a distressing memory to process. The client recalls an image from the event, names the negative belief it created (e.g., “I am powerless”), and chooses a positive belief they would rather hold (e.g., “I am in control now”). The therapist then measures how upsetting the memory feels and how true the positive belief feels. This step helps set a clear starting point before reprocessing begins.

4. Desensitisation – The core phase, where the client recalls the traumatic event while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds), allowing the brain to process and reduce emotional intensity.

5. Installation – The therapist strengthens the positive belief through further bilateral stimulation, helping the client internalise a healthier belief system. 

6. Body Scan – The client scans their body to identify any lingering physical sensations associated with the trauma, which are then reprocessed to ensure no distress remains.

7. Closure – The therapist ensures the client leaves the session feeling grounded and stable, using containment techniques if processing was incomplete. 

8. Re-evaluation – At the start of the next session, the therapist checks the client’s progress, reassesses previously processed memories, and identifies any new material needing attention.

What Are The Benefits Of EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy offers relief from trauma symptoms without requiring a detailed retelling of distressing events. It helps reduce the emotional intensity of painful memories, making them feel less overwhelming over time. By promoting emotional resilience and self-empowerment, EMDR enables individuals to regain control and well-being. EMDR effectively treats PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and trauma, offering a structured, evidence-based healing approach.

Why Work With A Certified EMDR Therapist?

Working with a certified EMDR therapist guarantees guidance from a trained and qualified professional with specialised expertise in trauma. These practitioners understand trauma and provide a safe space, creating personalised treatment for each client.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with trauma, EMDR therapy provides a scientifically validated path to healing. Reprocessing distressing memories allows you to regain control over your emotions, thoughts, and life. If you’re considering EMDR, contact a certified EMDR therapist to explore whether this approach is right for you.