Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

Woman standing in front of trees looking to the side and hugging herself, smiling. This could portray a person seeking EMDR therapy from a therapist in New York.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach proven to help people process trauma, emotionally-charged events, and other distressing experiences including anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, self-esteem issues, and emotional and creative blocks.

How does EMDR therapy work?

EMDR therapy is different from other therapies in that it doesn’t require talking in detail about the issue. Instead, similar to a REM cycle during sleep, EMDR uses a processing technique to stimulate the brain into resuming its natural healing process. In this way, EMDR helps to uncover memories that are linked together in the mind and body.

EMDR begins with an assessment intake to determine if EMDR makes sense for you. Read more about EMDR here.

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR therapy was created by Francine Shapiro in the late 80s. In its early days, it was used primarily to treat post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Over time, EMDR was found to be an effective way to process a variety of issues. While EMDR doesn’t work for everyone, it can be a highly powerful treatment for many.

Studies show that EMDR therapy can help people can experience benefits that were once developed over years of psychotherapy in a much shorter timeframe.

Issues that are proven to be effectively treated with EMDR therapy include:

  • Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Phobias

  • Creative blocks

  • Intrusive thoughts

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Panic

  • Grief

  • Performance anxiety

Photo of the side of a person standing with their back against a brick wall and hair covering face. This could portray a person seeking EMDR therapy from a therapist in New York.

What if I’m already in therapy?

EMDR can be integrated into therapy as a more holistic treatment or it can be used as a stand-alone or adjunctive treatment. For some, it can be helpful to seek EMDR for dedicated treatment of a specific traumatic event or recurring issue like performance anxiety or phobia.

If you are already seeing a therapist, EMDR can be used as a separate treatment while you continue your individual therapy. When EMDR is used in this adjunctive way, our clinicians, with your consent, will consult with your individual therapist to ensure that your mental health treatment is cohesive and to explain how EMDR works. This form of collaboration helps your team treat you more efficiently and enhances the benefits of EMDR.

What should I know before starting EMDR?

EMDR therapy can be an intense experience for many. Often, memories may surface that had previously been suppressed or that didn’t seem connected to the issue you are seeking to address. Because of this, EMDR therapy can be a very emotional and physical experience. Some people find that their sleep is impacted or that they feel a bit jittery in the days following EMDR.

Make sure to set aside time to care for yourself after your EMDR sessions

It is beneficial to plan your EMDR sessions at a time when you can take time for yourself after. Plan to go for a walk, call a friend, or listen to a comforting playlist after your session. Leave space to care for yourself if strong emotions come up in the days following your session.

Your therapist will explain the stages of EMDR therapy during the intake, before the processing begins

After the intake and before you begin deep processing, you will work with your therapist to build resources. These tools will help you manage any distressing thoughts, feelings, and emotions that come up during EMDR therapy. You are not alone.

Photo of a person with short hair, glasses, and red sweatshirt sitting on a leather couch with their laptop on their lap, looking to the side and smiling. This could portray a person seeking EMDR therapy from a therapist in New York.

Does EMDR work with online therapy?

EMDR can be effective in virtual settings and does not require the individual and clinician to be together physically. With online EMDR therapy, your licensed clinician will guide you through the process using tapping during the processing phase. Many people feel that doing EMDR with online therapy works best when using a laptop or computer rather than a phone. It can also be helpful to have headphones. A stable internet connection is required. Be sure to have a comfortable place to sit in a space that is private.

Explore if EMDR is right for you today

EMDR is not right for everyone. Let’s talk more about how EMDR works and if it makes sense for you! Contact us to schedule a free consultation call today.