Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A Therapy for Trauma Healing

Joy Plote
Mar 13
4 min read

Updated: Sep 22

By Joy Plote, Coda Counselor | The Space Between

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR helps people reprocess painful memories so they no longer cause intense emotional distress.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) to help the brain process trauma in a more adaptive way.

How EMDR Works

When people experience trauma, the brain may not fully process the event, leaving unresolved distressing memories that continue to trigger intense emotions, intrusive thoughts, or negative beliefs.

EMDR helps by:

Activating the brain’s natural ability to heal and reprocess traumatic memories.
Reducing emotional intensity associated with past trauma.
Replacing negative beliefs with more adaptive perspectives.

The goal is not to erase memories but to change how they are stored in the brain so they no longer feel overwhelming.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy follows an 8-phase structured approach to ensure safe and effective healing.

Phase 1: History Taking & Treatment Planning

The therapist gathers background information about the client’s trauma history, symptoms, and treatment goals.
Together, they identify target memories for reprocessing.

Phase 2: Preparation & Coping Skills

Before beginning trauma processing, clients learn self-regulation techniques to manage distress.
Skills include:
- The Container Exercise (visualizing a safe mental space for overwhelming emotions).
- Grounding techniques (deep breathing, mindfulness, body awareness).

Phase 3: Assessment

The client identifies a specific traumatic memory to work on, including:
- The worst image associated with the memory.
- The negative belief they hold about themselves related to the trauma.
- The desired positive belief they would like to adopt instead.
- The emotional and physical sensations tied to the memory.

Phase 4: Desensitization (Processing the Memory)

The therapist guides the client through bilateral stimulation (BLS)—which may include eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help the brain reprocess the traumatic memory.
During this phase, distress often naturally decreases as the brain integrates the experience in a healthier way.

Phase 5: Installation of Positive Beliefs

The client replaces negative self-beliefs with positive, adaptive ones.
Example:
- Negative belief: “I am helpless.”
- Positive belief: “I am in control now.”

Phase 6: Body Scan

The therapist helps the client notice any lingering physical sensations related to the trauma.
Any remaining distress is processed until the client feels calm and neutral about the memory.

Phase 7: Closure

At the end of each session, the therapist ensures the client is emotionally stable and equipped with grounding tools before leaving.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the beginning of the next session, the therapist checks how the client feels about the processed memory and whether further work is needed.

Why EMDR Works: The Neuroscience Behind It

1. “What Fires Together, Wires Together”

Trauma memories are often stored in maladaptive ways, causing distress whenever they are triggered.
EMDR helps re-wire these neural pathways, allowing the brain to store memories in a less distressing way.

2. Bilateral Stimulation and the Brain

Eye movements mimic REM sleep, a natural process that helps the brain process emotions.
This stimulation activates both hemispheres of the brain, allowing trapped trauma to be integrated properly.

3. The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model

EMDR is based on the idea that the brain wants to heal, but trauma blocks this process.
By reprocessing trauma with EMDR, the brain is able to connect new, healthier insights to old memories.

What Conditions Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR is highly effective for PTSD and trauma, but it also helps with: ✔ Anxiety and panic attacks ✔ Depression and low self-worth ✔ Phobias and fears ✔ Chronic pain and somatic symptoms ✔ Childhood trauma and attachment wounds ✔ Grief and loss ✔ Addiction and compulsive behaviors

Common EMDR Misconceptions

“Will EMDR make me forget my trauma?”

No. EMDR does not erase memories—it changes how you emotionally experience them.

“Does EMDR work immediately?”

Some clients experience relief after just a few sessions, while others require longer treatment. Healing depends on the complexity of trauma.

“Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?”

No. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on reprocessing memories internally, reducing the need to verbalize every detail.

“Can EMDR be done online?”

Yes. Virtual EMDR therapy uses remote bilateral stimulation techniques (such as guided tapping or visual cues) and can be effective in an online format.

Who is a Good Candidate for EMDR?

✔ Individuals with PTSD or unresolved trauma ✔ Those who feel stuck in past experiences ✔ People struggling with self-worth, fear, or anxiety linked to past events ✔ Anyone open to a structured, experiential approach to healing

However, EMDR may not be suitable for individuals who:

Have active psychosis or severe dissociation without proper stabilization.
Are currently in crisis without emotional regulation tools in place.

Final Thoughts

EMDR is a powerful, research-backed therapy that helps individuals reprocess and heal trauma so they can move forward without being controlled by the past. By using bilateral stimulation and structured reprocessing, EMDR allows people to shift from trauma survival mode to emotional resilience and empowerment.