What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based treatment for trauma that uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to allow your brain and nervous system to "reprocess" traumatic memories so that they are no longer overwhelming and disturbing. EMDR does not require you to "tell the story" of your trauma, and it has become much more well-known in the last decade because of how powerful it can be. EMDR is helpful for treating trauma of all kinds, and it can bring great relief for those who are suffering acute mental, emotional, and even physical symptoms.
​Resources to learn about EMDR:
​
-
What is EMDR? Learn the basics
-
What is an actual EMDR session like? Learn the 8 phases of treatment
-
Introductory video about EMDR
-
EMDR experts explain the benefits of EMDR
-
EMDR patients share their stories
-
An EMDR therapist shares her EMDR experience
​
Research in support of EMDR effectiveness:
​
-
Twenty-four randomized controlled trials support the positive effects of EMDR therapy in the treatment of emotional trauma and other adverse life experiences relevant to clinical practice.
-
Seven of 10 studies reported EMDR therapy to be more rapid and/or more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
-
Twelve randomized studies of the eye movement component noted rapid decreases in negative emotions and/or vividness of disturbing images, with an additional 8 reporting a variety of other memory effects.
-
Numerous other evaluations document that EMDR therapy provides relief from a variety of somatic complaints.
-
Research and frequently asked questions about EMDR