Therapeutic Approach

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps you process distressing or traumatic memories so they stop feeling as raw in daily life. Using guided eye movements or another bilateral technique, it helps your brain reprocess a memory so it's stored with less emotional charge, without needing to describe the event in detail.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps you process distressing memories, most often trauma, using guided eye movements.

WHAT IT TREATS / WHO IT'S FOR

EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, but therapists also use it for anxiety, phobias, grief, and other distressing memories that continue to affect day-to-day life. It can be a good fit if you find yourself avoiding certain thoughts, places, or situations because of a difficult past experience.

RESEARCH EVIDENCE

About three in four people whose trauma began in adulthood were free of PTSD symptoms six months after brief EMDR in one trial, while none on the comparison antidepressant were. For you, that can mean a painful memory stops running your days.

View study on PubMed

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