What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidenced-based technique for treating trauma that is both somatic (working with body sensations) and cognitive (working with thoughts). EMDR uses “bilateral stimulation,” which can be visual, auditory or tactile stimulation in a rhythmic side to side pattern. Bilateral stimulation, in conjunction with other elements of EMDR, can help you to reprocess traumas so that the memories are less distressing and less disruptive to your life.

Traumatic memories are often stored in the brain as though they are:

happening right now, rather than moving to long term memory as time passes. This contributes to a visceral response telling you to fight, flee or freeze, even if you are no longer in danger.
fragmented, like having a few puzzle pieces but not the full picture.
connected with negative beliefs about yourself, such as “it’s my fault,” “I’m unloveable,” or “I’m helpless.”

EMDR addresses each of these issues, helping you to experience those memories as events that are in the past, have context, and are no longer connected to negative beliefs about yourself.

What can treated with EMDR?

EMDR can be used to treat trauma, whether a single incident (such as a car accident or assault) or repeated traumatic experiences in childhood. EMDR can also help with phobias, anxiety, panic, low self-worth, chronic pain, insecure attachment, substance use, and more.