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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming - EMDR

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people heal from distressing life experiences, such as trauma, PTSD, and stress-related issues. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since become a widely recognized and evidence-based treatment, especially for trauma.

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How does it work?

The core idea of EMDR is that trauma and overwhelming experiences can get "stuck" in the brain, leading to distress, flashbacks, or difficulty processing emotions. EMDR helps by reprocessing these memories in a way that allows the brain to heal. It works through an eight-phase process, but a central component is bilateral stimulation—typically involving side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds. This process helps to reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories.

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Female counselor conducting an EMDR session with a client

​Key Benefits of EMDR:

  • Effective for PTSD: EMDR is particularly effective for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many individuals report significant reductions in symptoms after a relatively short number of sessions.
     

  • Helps with Stress and Anxiety: EMDR can also be helpful for managing chronic stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties, allowing people to cope more effectively.
     

  • Non-Invasive: EMDR does not require talking in-depth about the traumatic event. For those who find it difficult to verbalize their trauma, EMDR can be a less invasive way to heal.
     

  • Works for a Range of Conditions: Though initially developed for trauma, EMDR is used to treat a variety of other mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and even physical symptoms linked to stress.

 

What to Expect in a Session:

During an EMDR session, a therapist will guide you through recalling distressing memories while simultaneously directing your attention to some form of bilateral stimulation, often eye movements. This dual attention helps reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of the memories, making them easier to process and store in a less distressing way.

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The therapy moves through different stages:

  • History and Planning: The therapist gathers background information to determine which memories or issues to target.
     

  • Preparation: You'll learn coping skills and relaxation techniques to help manage emotional reactions.
     

  • Assessment: The therapist helps you identify negative beliefs associated with traumatic memories.
     

  • Reprocessing: The core part of the session, where bilateral stimulation is used to reprocess traumatic memories.
     

  • Evaluation: After each session, the therapist checks progress and adjusts the approach.

 

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR can be particularly helpful if you:

  • Struggle with distressing memories or flashbacks.
     

  • Feel "stuck" or overwhelmed by past events.
     

  • Have tried other forms of therapy without full relief.
     

  • Want a non-invasive, structured approach to healing.

 

What Healthy Minds Clinicians are EMDR trained?

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