What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR has become one of the most extensively researched treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe the traumatic event in detail or do homework between sessions. Instead, it works by activating the brain's natural healing processes, allowing distressing memories to be stored in a way that no longer causes emotional disturbance.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol:
- History & Treatment Planning — Your therapist identifies target memories and develops a treatment plan.
- Preparation — You learn coping strategies and what to expect during processing.
- Assessment — The target memory is activated along with associated beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.
- Desensitization — While focusing on the memory, you follow the therapist's finger or a light bar with your eyes, reducing emotional charge.
- Installation — Positive beliefs are strengthened to replace negative ones.
- Body Scan — Any remaining physical tension is identified and processed.
- Closure — The session ends with grounding exercises to ensure stability.
- Re-evaluation — Progress is reviewed at the next session.
Featured EMDR Therapy Providers
Verified Oregon therapists specializing in this approach
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
While originally developed for PTSD, EMDR has shown effectiveness for a wide range of conditions:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression related to traumatic experiences
- Childhood trauma and abuse
- Grief and loss
- Phobias
- Performance anxiety
- Addiction (when trauma is a contributing factor)
EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your first EMDR session is typically focused on assessment and preparation — not processing. Your therapist will take a thorough history, explain the EMDR process, and teach you self-calming techniques. Most people begin actual reprocessing in the second or third session.
A typical reprocessing session lasts 60–90 minutes. Many people notice significant relief within 3–6 sessions, though complex trauma may require more time. It's common to feel tired after a session, and some people experience vivid dreams as their brain continues processing.