May 15, 2025 · 5 min read

Understanding EMDR Therapy and Its Benefits

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured, well-researched psychotherapy approach used to work with trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. Rather than talking a memory through in detail, it aims to help the brain reprocess it so it carries less charge. Responses vary from person to person.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach that was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements, taps, or sounds—to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and impact.

The therapy is based on the understanding that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain's natural ability to process information. When this happens, memories become "stuck" in the nervous system, continuing to trigger distress long after the event has passed. EMDR helps unlock these frozen memories and allows the brain to complete its natural healing process.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase protocol that includes:

• History taking and treatment planning: Your therapist gathers information about your trauma history and identifies target memories to process.
• Preparation: You learn coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage emotional distress.
• Assessment: Together, you identify specific memories, negative beliefs, and body sensations associated with the trauma.
• Desensitization: While focusing on the traumatic memory, you engage in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) to reprocess the experience.
• Installation: Positive beliefs are strengthened and integrated to replace negative self-perceptions.
• Body scan: You check for any remaining physical tension or distress in the body.
• Closure: Each session ends with techniques to ensure you feel calm and stable.
• Reevaluation: Progress is reviewed and additional targets are identified if needed.

What Conditions Can EMDR Treat?

While EMDR was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is now used with a wider range of concerns, including:

• Anxiety disorders and panic attacks
• Depression and mood disorders
• Phobias and fears
• Performance anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Chronic pain and somatic symptoms
• Attachment wounds and relationship difficulties

Why People Choose EMDR

Clients often describe a few reasons for considering EMDR rather than talk therapy alone. Responses differ from person to person, and none of the following is a promised outcome:

• No detailed retelling required: You are not asked to describe distressing events in exhaustive detail.
• Memory-focused: The work targets specific memories and the beliefs attached to them rather than only present-day coping.
• Whole-person approach: Cognitive, emotional, and body-based aspects of distress are addressed together.
• Well researched: EMDR has a substantial research literature and is included in trauma treatment guidelines.

Timelines are individual. If you are wondering what a course of sessions may look like, see how long EMDR takes to work.

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

During an EMDR session, you'll sit comfortably with your therapist. As you focus on a specific traumatic memory or distressing experience, your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation—often by moving their fingers back and forth while you track them with your eyes, or by using tapping or auditory tones.

You may notice images, emotions, physical sensations, or thoughts arising as the memory is reprocessed. Your therapist will check in with you regularly to ensure you feel safe and supported. Many clients describe distressing memories gradually losing some of their emotional intensity, though how much shifts, and how quickly, differs from person to person.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR may be worth considering if unresolved trauma, persistent anxiety, or distressing memories are interfering with daily life. Suitability is assessed individually, and it is often considered by people who:

• Have experienced single or complex trauma
• Feel "stuck" in patterns of emotional reactivity
• Want an alternative to traditional talk therapy
• Are looking for a body-centered, integrative approach

Begin Your Healing Journey

If distressing memories are still shaping your daily life, EMDR may be worth discussing. Arolyn Burns, LMFT, LPCC offers EMDR therapy in Newport Beach and by secure video across California, and works with trauma, anxiety, and phobias. Whether EMDR is appropriate for you is decided together after an assessment.