EMDR has one of the strongest evidence bases of any trauma treatment available. The World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the VA all recognize it as a first-line treatment for PTSD. And yet many people have never heard of it — or have a vague sense that it sounds strange.
Where It Comes From
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, who noticed that certain eye movements seemed to reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories. What followed was decades of clinical research that confirmed and refined the approach into a structured, eight-phase protocol used by therapists worldwide.
What Happens in a Session
The core of EMDR involves briefly focusing on a distressing memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation — most commonly, following the therapist's moving fingers with your eyes, though taps or tones can also be used. This dual focus appears to activate the brain's natural information-processing system.
The result, for most clients, is that the memory becomes less vivid and emotionally charged over time. The events are remembered, but they no longer carry the same raw intensity. Many clients describe it as the memory "moving to a different place" in their mind.
The Eight Phases
- History taking — understanding your background and identifying target memories
- Preparation — building coping skills and trust before processing begins
- Assessment — identifying the memory, its associated beliefs, and body sensations
- Desensitization — the bilateral stimulation phase
- Installation — strengthening a positive belief to replace the negative one
- Body scan — checking for remaining physical tension
- Closure — grounding at the end of each session
- Reevaluation — checking progress at the start of the next session
Who It Helps
EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but its applications have expanded considerably. It's now used effectively for anxiety, phobias, depression, grief, attachment wounds, and more. If you carry memories that still feel "too alive" — that intrude on your present, trigger strong physical reactions, or feel impossible to think about calmly — EMDR may be worth exploring.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR isn't the right fit for everyone at every stage of treatment. A skilled EMDR therapist will assess your readiness and spend as much time as needed in the preparation phase before any processing begins. At Prevail, we have trained EMDR clinicians who can walk you through whether it's a good fit.