EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — A powerful, evidence-based approach to healing trauma and emotional distress through bilateral stimulation.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It enables individuals to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life experiences.
Based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, EMDR posits that when traumatic experiences are not fully processed, they become stored in the brain in a way that can be triggered by current situations, causing distress.
Through bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing adaptive resolution.
Brain-Based
Works with natural healing processes
Bilateral
Uses eye movements or tapping
Rapid Results
Often fewer sessions needed
Targeted
Focuses on specific memories
The Process
The Eight-Phase EMDR Protocol
A structured approach ensuring thorough and safe trauma processing
History Taking
Comprehensive assessment of your history, identifying target memories and developing a treatment plan.
Preparation
Establishing trust, explaining the EMDR process, and teaching self-regulation techniques for emotional stability.
Assessment
Identifying specific target memories, associated negative beliefs, desired positive beliefs, and current emotional distress levels.
Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones) while focusing on the traumatic memory to reduce its emotional charge.
Installation
Strengthening the positive belief you want to associate with the memory until it feels completely true.
Body Scan
Checking for any residual physical tension or discomfort related to the memory and processing if found.
Closure
Ensuring you leave each session feeling stable and providing self-calming techniques for between sessions.
Reevaluation
Reviewing progress at the start of each session and identifying any new material that needs processing.
Specialized Approaches
EMDR Protocols for Different Conditions
Tailored EMDR approaches for your specific needs
Standard Three-Pronged Protocol
Addresses past traumatic events, present triggers, and future templates for adaptive responses.
Inverted Protocol
Specifically designed for Complex PTSD (CPTSD), starting with resource development before trauma processing.
EMD for Generalized Anxiety
Eye Movement Desensitization focused on reducing overall anxiety levels and worry patterns.
Performance Anxiety Protocol
Targets specific performance-related fears and installs confident future templates.
Recent Event Protocol
For processing recent distressing events before they become entrenched trauma.
Float Back Technique
Identifies and processes the earliest memory connected to current anxiety patterns.
Integrated Standard Protocol
Combines EMDR with resource development to address underlying traumas contributing to depression.
Negative Cognition Focus
Targets core negative beliefs about self, others, and the world that fuel depressive thinking.
Distancing Approach
Creates mental distance from obsessive thoughts, reducing their emotional power.
Adapted Phobia Protocol
Targets the fear underlying obsessions and the anxiety driving compulsive behaviors.
EMDR Couple Protocol
Addresses attachment injuries and relationship traumas affecting the couple bond.
Attachment-Focused EMDR
Combined with systemic family therapy for deep-seated attachment issues from early relationships.
Scientific Evidence
Research & Evidence Base
EMDR is backed by extensive research and recognized by leading health organizations worldwide
Key Meta-Analyses & Studies
Study
Conditions
Key Findings
Effect Size
Yunitri et al. (2023)
PTSD across populations
Large treatment effects for PTSD symptoms with EMDR
g = 0.93
van der Kolk (2007)
PTSD compared to Fluoxetine
EMDR more effective than medication alone
Significantly greater improvement
Chen et al. (2014)
Anxiety disorders
Significant reduction in anxiety symptoms
d = 0.66
Mavranezouli et al. (2020)
PTSD treatment comparison
EMDR among most effective and cost-effective treatments
High quality evidence
Research & Evidence Base
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
- UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Ready to Experience EMDR Therapy?
Take the first step towards healing. Schedule your EMDR session with an experienced practitioner.