Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy that helps individuals recover from trauma and distressing life events. Recognized as one of the most evidence-based treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR is also effective for anxiety, depression, and other emotional symptoms.
Developed in the 1990s by Francine Shapiro, PhD, EMDR is grounded in the belief that many mental health conditions stem from unprocessed traumatic memories.
What Is an Unprocessed Traumatic Memory?
An unprocessed traumatic memory is a past event that continues to affect your emotions, behavior, and beliefs in the present. These memories often cause negative self-perceptions linked to the original trauma.
During trauma, the brain may “compartmentalize” overwhelming sensations and thoughts as a survival strategy. Although this is helpful short-term, later triggers can resurface those memories and cause distress. These reactions may include:
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Physical tension or pain
- Hyperarousal and exaggerated startle responses
- Avoidance of people, places, or reminders
- Intrusive thoughts and irrational beliefs
“Trauma doesn’t just live in the past—it can shape how we respond to everyday life in the present.”
The Goal of EMDR Therapy
The main goal of EMDR is to reduce or eliminate the emotional intensity connected to traumatic memories. A trained therapist guides the client through a safe and structured reprocessing method, helping the brain to integrate the memory in a healthier way.
How EMDR Works: The 8-Phase Protocol
Dr. Shapiro developed an eight-phase model that helps clinicians and clients address trauma effectively:
- History taking and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation of positive belief
- Body scan
- Closure
- Reevaluation
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
The process begins with a biopsychosocial assessment, where your therapist gathers information about:
- Medical and mental health history
- Social and developmental background
- Legal issues, trauma history, and diagnoses
From this, a personalized treatment plan is created.
In preparation, the therapist explains the EMDR process and ensures that you have tools to stay emotionally regulated. Once ready, you and your therapist choose a memory to reprocess—often the most disturbing or earliest traumatic experience.
The therapist then helps identify key themes and core beliefs attached to that memory. As the memory is reprocessed, its emotional intensity decreases. A positive, realistic belief is then “installed” in place of the old narrative. The session ends with a body scan and memory closure.
“EMDR empowers clients to replace fear with understanding and reshape how trauma lives in their minds and bodies.”
EMDR Outcomes
After a successful course of EMDR therapy, clients often experience:
- Relief from emotional distress
- Reformulated and realistic beliefs
- Reduced physical symptoms and tension
- Improved self-esteem and clarity
References:
- Francine Shapiro, PhD – NCBI Publication
- Maxfield, L. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, Vol. 13, Issue 4
DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.239
