EMDR Therapy: An Explanation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

By Brynn Barry, LPC

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) traditionally uses eye movements to rapidly reprocess trauma.

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was initially created to target the psychological effects of trauma. This therapy uses a structured eight-phase method that allows individuals to work through traumatic memories and unhealthy belief systems. By utilizing bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, EMDR aids in reprocessing and integrating traumatic experiences.

EMDR therapy has undergone extensive research and comprehensive evaluation since its inception. While its primary focus has been on treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the versatility of EMDR therapy has been demonstrated in its effectiveness for a wide array of psychological issues beyond trauma. Research has shown that EMDR can significantly alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The versatility of EMDR therapy contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting its use as a valuable tool in the field of mental health.

Why is EMDR effective?

The founder of EMDR, Francine Shapiro, developed this therapeutic approach following her observations regarding the connection between bilateral stimulation and mental processing. During her research, Shapiro noted that engaging in rapid eye movements could facilitate access to unprocessed memories stored within the brain. This discovery led her to understand that when memories are not fully processed, they can lead to significant emotional and physiological pain, discomfort, and distress, even in the absence of the original triggering events.

Shapiro noted that engaging in rapid eye movements could facilitate access to unprocessed memories stored within the brain. This discovery led her to understand that when memories are not fully processed, they can lead to significant emotional and physiological pain, discomfort, and distress, even in the absence of the original triggering events.

Unprocessed memories can manifest in various ways, including but not limited to intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or overwhelming emotional responses that are disproportionate to their current circumstances. EMDR therapy serves as a means to "unfreeze" these trapped memories, effectively accelerating the brain's natural processing mechanisms. By doing so, the therapy allows individuals to confront and reprocess their traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment, ultimately facilitating healing.

When traumatic memories remain unprocessed, we see and feel them everywhere.

Importantly, EMDR therapy does not aim to erase memories or diminish the significance of the experiences that have shaped an individual’s life. Rather, it focuses on reducing the distress associated with recalling these memories. Bilateral stimulation helps to desensitize the emotional charge linked to the memories, allowing individuals to process them more fully and integrate them into their broader life narrative.

EMDR therapy does not aim to erase memories or diminish the significance of the experiences that have shaped an individual’s life. Rather, it focuses on reducing the distress associated with recalling these memories.

As a result of this therapeutic process, clients find that their negative beliefs about themselves, such as "I'm not good enough" or "I'm not worthy," begin to deconstruct. EMDR therapy empowers individuals to reframe these unhealthy beliefs, fostering a more positive self-image that promotes resilience.

Francine Shapiro's pioneering work in developing EMDR has provided a powerful therapeutic avenue for those grappling with the lingering effects of unprocessed memories. By harnessing the benefits of bilateral stimulation to facilitate mental processing, EMDR therapy not only alleviates emotional distress but also promotes profound personal growth and healing.

Who Would Benefit from EMDR Therapy?​

Have you gone through distressing life events or trauma that have left a significant mark on your emotional well-being? These experiences can often manifest in various ways, leading to a persistent sense of overwhelm in your daily life. You may find yourself grappling with intense feelings of fear, anger, or depression that seem to shadow your thoughts throughout the day. This emotional turmoil can become pronounced when you contemplate the future, as uncertainty can exacerbate these feelings, making it difficult to envision a path forward that feels safe or hopeful.

Those who report low self-esteem, unhealthy relationships, and or a pervasive sense of isolation or hopelessness may benefit from EMDR as well. You might struggle with feelings of worthlessness or believe that you are unlovable, which can further entrench you in a state of despair.

If you find yourself resonating with these experiences and emotions, it may be worth considering EMDR therapy as a potential avenue for healing and recovery. By engaging in this therapy, you can work towards alleviating the emotional distress associated with your past experiences.

What Can I Expect from EMDR therapy?

If you are interested in exploring the EMDR, it is essential to communicate your interest to your therapist. This dialogue can initiate a collaborative process where your therapist can assess your needs and consider whether EMDR might be a suitable addition to your current treatment plan.

Even if your therapist does not possess formal training in EMDR, there may still be opportunities for you to engage in adjunct therapy sessions that complement your existing therapeutic practices. These adjunct sessions can provide you with additional support and techniques that align with the principles of EMDR, thereby enhancing your overall therapeutic experience. You can expect each session to maintain a duration similar to that of a standard therapy session, typically around 55 minutes, allowing for a focused and structured approach to your mental health needs. 

It's never easy to confront the painful parts of our past, however once we fully process them, our lives can change drastically and hope is restored.

The initial phases of EMDR involve careful planning of your treatment, where you and your therapist will collaboratively establish goals and identify the specific issues you wish to address. This is followed by the preparation and stabilization phase, when you will work on developing coping strategies and resources to manage any distress that may arise, as well as identifying and articulating the beliefs, emotions, images, and bodily sensations associated with the target memories that you will be processing.

Once you have established a strong foundation, you will move into the reprocessing phase, where you will utilize bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile taps—to facilitate the processing of your memories in a safe and supportive environment. Throughout this process, your therapist will be there to support you, ensuring that you feel secure and validated as you navigate through the various phases of EMDR therapy. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the symptoms of trauma but also fosters personal growth and resilience, paving the way for a more fulfilling life.

If you are interested in starting this journey, contact our office to book an appointment with one of our EMDR-trained therapists. We can provide EMDR virtually or in-person depending on your needs.

Desert Oak Counseling, LLC

3420 E Shea Blvd., Suite 167

Phoenix, AZ 85028

602-726-9997

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