What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps people heal from difficult or upsetting experiences—especially those that feel “stuck” or keep coming back in thoughts, feelings, or body sensations.

When something traumatic happens, the brain sometimes doesn’t process it properly. EMDR helps the brain “unstick” the memory and file it away in a healthier way—similar to how our brains naturally process things during deep sleep.

 

How does EMDR work?

You will choose a memory that still feels upsetting or distressing. I will then ask you to focus on the memory while doing something repetitive. This might be moving your eyes side to side or tapping your hands. These movements help your brain process the memory in a new way. As you do this, the memory may begin to feel less intense. You might notice new thoughts, feelings, or insights coming up. Over time, the memory is still there, but it doesn’t feel as painful or overwhelming. It becomes something that happened, not something that still controls how you feel.