Recently, I took classes to help those who have not healed from a traumatic event. The classes taught how to use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to decrease symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR is a structured, evidence-informed psychotherapy approach used to help people recover from distressing life experiences. EMDR is best known for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms, but it may also be used for other concerns when they are connected to upsetting memories. The goal is not to erase what happened, but to reduce the emotional intensity of the memory and the negative beliefs that can stay “stuck” after difficult experiences.
How EMDR Works
In EMDR, you briefly bring an upsetting memory to mind while your therapist guides a form of bilateral stimulation—usually side-to-side eye movements, but sometimes alternating taps (left/right) or alternating tones. While researchers continue to study the exact mechanisms, many clients report that the memory becomes less vivid and less emotionally activating over time, allowing new, more adaptive thoughts and feelings to emerge.
EMDR is delivered in a structured format, often described as eight phases:
- History-taking and treatment planning
- Preparation (education, coping skills, stabilization, safety planning)
- Assessment (identifying the target memory, associated beliefs, emotions, and body sensations)
- Desensitization (processing the memory with bilateral stimulation)
- Installation (strengthening a preferred, more adaptive belief)
- Body scan (checking for remaining physical distress linked to the memory)
- Closure (returning to stability before ending the session)
- Reevaluation (reviewing progress and deciding next targets)
Who Is a Good Candidate for EMDR?
Many people are good candidates for EMDR, especially when current symptoms are tied to earlier distressing experiences. A clinician trained in EMDR typically screens for both fit (whether EMDR matches your goals) and readiness (whether you have enough stability and coping skills to process safely).
EMDR is commonly considered when someone is experiencing:
- Trauma or post-traumatic stress symptoms (intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance)
- Distress after a specific event (accident, assault, medical trauma, loss)
- Persistent negative beliefs about self (for example, “I’m not safe,” “It was my fault,” or “I’m not good enough”) linked to past experiences
- Anxiety or panic that feels connected to earlier upsetting memories
- Grief or complicated bereavement reactions (case-dependent)
People often do best when they can:
- Stay emotionally present during difficult material (even if it is uncomfortable)
- Use grounding or calming skills between sessions if distress comes up
- Work collaboratively with the therapist on pacing and safety
Finding the Right Support
If you’re considering EMDR, look for a licensed mental health professional who has completed formal EMDR training and who takes time to assess readiness and build stabilization skills. If you have complex trauma, dissociation, significant medical concerns, or are in a current crisis, it’s especially important to discuss options and pacing so treatment remains safe and supportive.
