According to the EMDR Institute Inc., Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed in the 1990s and has surged in popularity due to its effectiveness in the treatment of trauma. EMDR has shown to be especially beneficial for people with diagnosis such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compared to Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR can heal symptoms of PTSD with less sessions, which makes it a more cost-effective treatment (De Jongh et al., 2019). Additionally, it has been shown to help in the treatment of anxiety, depression, phobias, and grief (EMDR Institute Inc. n.d.).
Over the past several decades, EMDR has become one of the most researched and widely recommended trauma treatments in the world. Major organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association, recognize EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. Its growing popularity is due not only to its effectiveness, but also to the way it helps clients process painful experiences without requiring them to repeatedly recount traumatic memories in detail.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on how traumatic memories are stored in the brain and nervous system. Trauma can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process experiences, leaving memories “stuck” in an unprocessed form. These memories may continue to trigger intense emotional, physical, and psychological reactions long after the event has passed. EMDR works by helping the brain resume its natural healing process.
How Trauma Affects the Brain
When a person experiences trauma, the brain’s alarm system becomes activated. This can interfere with the brain’s ability to properly integrate memories. As a result, traumatic memories may remain vivid, distressing, and easily triggered.
People who have experienced trauma may notice symptoms such as:
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Heightened anxiety or hypervigilance
- Emotional numbness or dissociation
- Negative beliefs about themselves (e.g., “I am unsafe,” “I am powerless,” “It was my fault”)
- Physical sensations such as tightness, pain, or nausea when reminded of the event
EMDR targets these symptoms by addressing how the traumatic memory is stored, rather than focusing only on thoughts or behaviors.
What EMDR Sessions Look Like
While Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing can sound like an intimidating name, a therapist can assist you in determining if this is the most beneficial intervention for you! In general, EMDR includes eight phases.
One of the most important aspects of EMDR is that it is a structured, phased approach. Each phase builds upon the previous one to ensure safety, stabilization, and effective processing. Clients are never asked to jump directly into traumatic material without preparation.
Phase One: History Taking and Treatment Planning
In the first phase, the therapist will take time to understand you, your needs, and your unique history (Hase, 2021). It also serves as a point for you and your therapist to develop a relationship based on trust. Ultimately, this session focuses on what traumas can be addressed within the EMDR sessions.
During this phase, your therapist may explore:
- Past traumatic or distressing experiences
- Current symptoms and challenges
- Triggers that cause distress in daily life
- Strengths, resources, and coping skills
- Goals for therapy
This phase allows the therapist to create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your safety and readiness.
Phase One: History Taking and Treatment Planning
In the first phase, the therapist will take time to understand you, your needs, and your unique history (Hase, 2021). It also serves as a point for you and your therapist to develop a relationship based on trust. Ultimately, this session focuses on what traumas can be addressed within the EMDR sessions.
During this phase, your therapist may explore:
- Past traumatic or distressing experiences
- Current symptoms and challenges
- Triggers that cause distress in daily life
- Strengths, resources, and coping skills
- Goals for therapy
This phase allows the therapist to create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your safety and readiness.
Phases Seven and Eight: Closure and Reevaluation
Finally, during phase seven and eight you journal about your experiences during day-to-day life, discuss them with your therapist, and determine together if more events need to be processed (Hase, 2021).
These phases help ensure that progress continues between sessions and that treatment goals are being met. Your therapist may ask you to notice:
- Changes in emotional reactions
- Decreases in triggers or distress
- Improvements in mood, sleep, or relationships
- New insights or shifts in perspective
If additional memories or themes arise, they can be addressed in future EMDR sessions.
Conditions EMDR Can Help Treat
In addition to PTSD, EMDR has been shown to be effective for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Phobias
- Complicated grief and loss
- Childhood trauma
- Medical trauma
- Performance anxiety
- Chronic stress
Because EMDR addresses the root of distress rather than just symptoms, many clients experience long-lasting relief.
What to Expect After EMDR
Each person’s experience with EMDR is unique. Some people notice changes quickly, while others experience gradual improvement over time. It is common to feel tired or emotionally reflective after sessions, which is a normal part of the brain’s processing.
Many clients report:
- Reduced emotional reactivity
- Improved sense of safety
- Increased self-compassion
- Greater emotional clarity
- Improved ability to cope with stress
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR can be a powerful option for individuals who feel “stuck” in traditional therapy or who continue to experience distress despite understanding their trauma intellectually. A trained therapist can help determine whether EMDR is appropriate based on your history, symptoms, and goals.
References
De Jongh, A., Amann, B. L., Hofmann, A., Farrell, D., & Lee, C. W. (2019). The status of EMDR therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder 30 years after its introduction. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 261–269. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.261
EMDR Institute, Inc. (n.d.). Welcome to EMDR. https://www.emdr.com/
Hase, M. (2021). The structure of EMDR therapy: A guide for the therapist. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.660753
Call us for EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens. Our team is trained in evidence-based trauma treatment and is here to support your healing journey.
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