EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The name is technical, but the idea behind it is fairly intuitive.
When something overwhelming happens, the brain does not always process and store the memory the way it stores everyday experiences. The memory can remain vivid and charged. Years later, a sound, a smell, or a tone of voice can bring it back with the same intensity, and the body may react as though the danger is happening now.
How EMDR works
EMDR is designed to help the brain process a distressing memory so that it feels like something that happened in the past, rather than something still happening. During processing, a person briefly focuses on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation: following the clinician's hand movements with their eyes, alternating taps, or tones that alternate between the ears.
Researchers continue to study exactly why bilateral stimulation helps. What is well established is that EMDR is recommended for PTSD in major treatment guidelines, including those of the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.
What the process involves
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase approach. It begins with history-taking and preparation, including building coping and grounding skills, before any memory processing starts. Later phases focus on processing specific memories, strengthening positive beliefs, and checking in on progress. The preparation phase is an important part of the work, not a formality.
Common misconceptions
- EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout.
- It does not erase memories. You will still remember what happened, but the memory typically becomes less distressing.
- It is not only for single-incident trauma. It is also used for childhood experiences and long-term or relational trauma. Clinicians also use it for concerns such as grief and phobias, where research is still growing.
Signs EMDR may be a good fit
- You understand a past experience intellectually, but it still feels emotionally or physically charged.
- Talk therapy has helped you understand your patterns, but strong reactions persist.
- You notice reactions in the present that seem connected to past experiences.
Finding the right provider
EMDR requires specialized training. EMDRIA-approved basic training combines instruction, supervised practice, and consultation. Look for a clinician who completed an EMDRIA-approved program, and feel free to ask about their training, their experience with trauma, and how they approach the preparation phase.
At Tandem Alliance, we confirm EMDR training before listing any EMDR clinician. Every Tandem Verified provider has had their credentials verified, training confirmed, and caseload reviewed before being listed, so you can skip the guesswork and connect directly with a clinician whose focus fits your needs. Find Tandem Verified EMDR clinicians in Arizona and California.
- EMDR helps the brain process distressing memories so they feel less charged.
- It is recommended for PTSD in WHO and VA/DoD guidelines.
- Preparation and skill-building come before any memory processing.
References
- World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. Geneva: World Health Organization.
- Schnurr, P. P., Hamblen, J. L., Wolf, J., et al. (2024). The management of posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder: Synopsis of the 2023 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense clinical practice guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine, 177(3), 363-374. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38408360/
- Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
This article is general education. For guidance on your own situation, a licensed mental health provider can help you decide what fits.