Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly researched psychotherapy originally developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD, in the late 1980s. It was first designed for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and today it is recognized worldwide as one of the most effective trauma treatments available. Research has also shown EMDR to be beneficial for anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and other distressing life experiences.

​

The approach is based on the idea that difficult or traumatic memories can become “stuck” in the brain, preventing the mind from processing them fully. When this happens, people may feel as though they are reliving the experience, through flashbacks, nightmares, or intense emotional triggers. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they lose their overwhelming intensity, making space for healing and resilience.

​

The goal of EMDR is not to erase painful memories, but to reduce their emotional charge so that past events can be remembered without being re-experienced. Clients often describe feeling lighter and more at peace after processing traumatic memories through EMDR.

Unlike many traditional talk therapies, EMDR does not require clients to describe their trauma in detail. Instead, it focuses on how the memory is stored in the brain. With the support of a trained therapist, clients recall aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory in a healthier way, reducing its intensity and allowing the individual to integrate the experience without being controlled by it.