If you have been researching trauma therapy, you have likely come across the term EMDR. It sounds technical — and the full name (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) does not exactly make it more approachable. But EMDR is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for trauma available, and understanding it can help you decide if it is right for you.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured psychotherapy approach developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It was originally developed to treat PTSD, but has since been shown to be effective for a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, and complex trauma.
The core idea is that traumatic memories are stored differently from ordinary memories — in a fragmented, unprocessed form that continues to trigger distress when activated. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but also tapping or auditory tones) to help the brain process these stuck memories and integrate them in a way that reduces their emotional charge.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol:
- History and treatment planning — identifying target memories and current triggers
- Preparation — building coping resources and explaining the process
- Assessment — identifying the specific image, belief, emotion, and body sensation associated with the target memory
- Desensitisation — processing the memory using bilateral stimulation while the distress level is monitored
- Installation — strengthening a positive belief to replace the negative one
- Body scan — checking for residual tension in the body
- Closure — returning to a state of equilibrium at the end of each session
- Re-evaluation — reviewing progress at the start of subsequent sessions
Does EMDR Work?
Yes — the evidence is robust. EMDR is endorsed by the World Health Organisation, the American Psychiatric Association, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for PTSD. Multiple meta-analyses have found it to be as effective as — and often faster than — traditional trauma-focused CBT.
Many clients report significant relief within 6–12 sessions, though complex trauma may require longer treatment.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR may be a good fit if you:
- Have experienced a traumatic event or series of events
- Struggle with intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Feel stuck in patterns that you understand intellectually but cannot seem to change
- Have tried other approaches without sufficient relief
At Spark Wellness, several of our therapists are trained in EMDR. We would be happy to discuss whether it might be appropriate for your situation.