EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a type of psychotherapy originally developed to help people recover from trauma and is now used for conditions such as:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic symptoms
Disturbing memories
Phobias
Grief and loss
Some forms of depression
How EMDR works
During an EMDR session, a therapist helps you recall a distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation—typically:
Following the therapist's fingers moving back and forth with your eyes
Listening to alternating sounds in each ear
Feeling alternating taps on your hands or knees
The goal is not to erase the memory but to help your brain process it in a way that reduces its emotional intensity.
What a session is like
EMDR generally follows a structured process:
Identify a troubling memory or issue.
Notice the thoughts, emotions, and body sensations connected to it.
Engage in bilateral stimulation while briefly focusing on the memory.
Periodically report what comes up.
Continue until the memory feels less distressing and more integrated.
Does it work?
Research has found EMDR to be effective for many people with PTSD, and it is recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association as a treatment option for trauma-related conditions.
Common misconceptions
It's not hypnosis. You remain awake and aware throughout the session.
The eye movements aren't the whole treatment. The therapeutic process and memory processing are key components.
You don't necessarily have to describe every detail of a traumatic event aloud.