EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy that is used to help individuals who have experienced distressing events which still affect them today. For many clients, EMDR can help improve their symptoms in fewer sessions than other types of therapy. Clients may notice that EMDR improves their symptoms where other types of therapy have fallen short.

EMDR therapy is based on the idea that distressing memories are stored in the brain differently than other memories. When an upsetting event or experience happens, it can become ‘stuck’ in our brains and nervous systems as unprocessed memories that get stored with upsetting images, thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms. Without treatment, “stuck” memories lead to distressing symptoms and behaviors. These memories can be "unstuck" through the use of specific eye movements, sounds, or tapping.

During an EMDR session, the therapist will guide you through recalling the distressing event while simultaneously engaging in specific eye movements, sounds, or tapping. These eye movements, sounds, or tappings are called “bilateral stimulation.” The idea is that the bilateral stimulation will help your brain process the distressing memory and integrate it into your overall life story in a way that is significantly less distressing.

EMDR therapy is widely used to treat conditions such as PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression. It has been shown through repeated research to be effective in reducing symptoms. While the high effectiveness of EMDR has been demonstrated through rigorous study, research is still ongoing to understand the underlying mechanism of how this form of therapy is so effective.