A Powerful Approach to Healing

EMDR:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for individuals recovering from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR helps the brain process and release emotional wounds that have become “stuck” allowing for deep healing and lasting relief.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured therapy that helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge. EMDR was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but over time, it has also been shown to help with anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, and other challenges rooted in unresolved trauma.

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How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR uses a unique combination of focused attention and bilateral stimulation—often in the form of guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help the brain “unstick” and reprocess memories that are causing distress. This process allows the brain to integrate the memory in a more adaptive, less triggering way.

During an EMDR session, your therapist will guide you to briefly recall a distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This helps your nervous system shift out of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response, making space for insight, resolution, and healing.

  • EMDR can be helpful for a wide range of people and concerns. It may be especially beneficial for individuals who:

    • Have experienced trauma, including childhood abuse, medical trauma, accidents, or assault

    • Are living with PTSD, complex trauma, or developmental trauma

    • Struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias

    • Have persistent negative beliefs or feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness

    • Are navigating grief, loss, or relationship issues

    • Feel stuck or overwhelmed by past events, even when they happened long ago

    EMDR is often used as part of a broader therapeutic approach and can be integrated into ongoing therapy or used as a focused, time-limited intervention.

Why Consider EMDR?

Many people seek EMDR when they feel like they’ve “talked about something enough” but still feel triggered or stuck. EMDR can help people move beyond insight into true emotional and physiological symptom relief. Research shows that EMDR can lead to faster symptom relief compared to some traditional therapies, with lasting results.

  • A vital part of EMDR is the preparation phase, which means providing psychoeducation about what EMDR therapy is and how it works, as well as making sure clients are well resourced and prepared to address traumatic memories and difficult symptoms. Trauma reprocessing is done when clients are well prepared and is paced around their comfort and needs.

  • Yes. There is a robust body of research which supports the efficacy of virtual EMDR. EMDR techniques have been easily adapted to online platforms, and our EMDR therapists are well trained in promoting client stabilizing and reprocessing virtually.

Interested in EMDR?

If you’ve been carrying pain or distress from the past, EMDR can offer a new path toward healing. Reach out to learn more and get connected. We offer virtual EMDR in over 40 states and in-person EMDR in Washington, DC.