What Is Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?

EMDR is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps clients process traumatic experiences and distressing memories using bilateral stimulation techniques.

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Overview

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and associated difficulties. Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR takes a trauma-focused approach that emphasizes what has happened to a person rather than what is inherently wrong with them.

EMDR therapy is rooted in the adaptive information processing (AIP) model, which proposes that the brain has a natural tendency to process and heal from psychological distress, similar to the body’s ability to heal from physical injuries. EMDR activates this system by connecting clients' existing strengths with unprocessed, distressing memories, ultimately reducing emotional distress and supporting cognitive change.

EMDR is guided by a standardized, eight-phase protocol and incorporates bilateral stimulation techniques such as eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones to facilitate memory processing and integration.

Why Use This Resource?

This information handout introduces mental health professionals and clients to EMDR therapy in a clear, accessible way. It provides a concise overview of EMDR's theoretical basis, key therapeutic tasks, and conditions for which it is effective.

Offers a client-friendly explanation of EMDR therapy and its applications.
Supports trauma-informed psychoeducation as part of treatment.
Introduces clinicians to the core principles and structure of EMDR.
Helps clients understand the process, enhancing engagement and informed consent.

Key Benefits

Clarity

Presents EMDR concepts and procedures in a clear, professional format suitable for client use.

Integration

Encourages trauma-informed understanding, aligning with contemporary best practices.

Versatility

Highlights EMDR’s use beyond PTSD, including depression, anxiety, OCD, and chronic pain.

Who is this for?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Processing of traumatic memories and reducing distress.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)

Targeting affect dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and trauma-related symptoms.

Depression

Particularly trauma-linked or treatment-resistant depression.

Anxiety Disorders

Including phobias, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety.

Addictions

Supporting trauma-informed treatment approaches.

Psychosis

Reducing comorbid PTSD symptoms and improving functioning.

Bipolar Disorder

Trauma-focused interventions for associated psychological distress.

Chronic Pain

Alleviating somatic distress linked to trauma.

Suicidal Thinking

Addressing trauma and distress contributing to risk.

Children And Adolescents

Age-appropriate adaptations for trauma processing.

Integrating it into your practice

Education

Use the handout to introduce EMDR principles during assessment or treatment planning.

Preparation

Guide clients through understanding EMDR's structure and what to expect.

Support

Assist clients in developing a trauma-informed understanding of their difficulties.

Discussion

Facilitate conversations about suitability and readiness for EMDR.

Consent

Use the resource to enhance informed consent processes.

Referral

Provide to clients considering EMDR with another qualified practitioner.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

EMDR therapy is grounded in the adaptive information processing (AIP) model, developed by Francine Shapiro, which proposes that the brain has a natural capacity to process information and move toward psychological health (Shapiro, 2001). Just as the body heals physical wounds, the mind is believed to work toward the integration of experiences. When a person experiences trauma, however, this natural processing system can become overwhelmed. Memories of the event may become stored in a fragmented and maladaptive state, retaining their original emotional intensity, sensory detail, and negative beliefs (Solomon & Shapiro, 2008). These unprocessed memories can continue to generate distress and shape current patterns of emotion, behavior, and thinking.

PTSD is a core condition for which EMDR was originally developed, and its symptoms — such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and intrusive memories — are understood within the AIP model as the ongoing effects of unprocessed traumatic events. EMDR supports individuals to reprocess these memories using a standardized eight-phase protocol in which the client recalls traumatic material while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (BLS) such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This combination appears to facilitate access to the memory network and promotes the integration of new, adaptive information (Lee & Cuijpers, 2013). While treatment of PTSD and related disorders remains the most established application, emerging evidence suggests that the same mechanism of memory reconsolidation may also be effective in treating depression, OCD, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain when symptoms are understood to arise from unresolved distressing experiences (Carletto et al., 2021; Marsden et al., 2018; Tesarz et al., 2019).

EMDR follows a three-pronged approach that addresses past traumatic events, current triggers, and anticipated future challenges. This structure enables individuals to process historical experiences that underlie present symptoms, reduce reactivity in daily life, and build internal resources for future resilience. Therapists guide clients through each phase while prioritizing emotional safety and containment. Notably, EMDR does not require clients to describe traumatic events in detail, and techniques such as the “blind to therapist” protocol support trauma processing without verbal disclosure — particularly useful for clients experiencing shame or avoidance (de Jongh, de Roos, & El-Leithy, 2024).

EMDR is recognized as a first-line treatment for PTSD by leading clinical guidelines, including those of the World Health Organization (2013), the American Psychological Association (2017), and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2018). Its efficacy has been supported by more than 30 randomized controlled trials, including studies in children and adults. A growing body of evidence also supports its application to a broader range of psychological disorders, including treatment-resistant depression (Seok & Kim, 2024), psychosis (Varese et al., 2024), and complex PTSD (Voorendonk et al., 2020).

What's inside

Concise, client-friendly introduction to EMDR therapy.
Simple explanation of EMDR's theoretical foundations (AIP model).
Overview of EMDR's standardized eight-phase protocol.
Description of bilateral stimulation and its role in processing.
Summary of conditions EMDR can be applied to, with supporting evidence.
Suggested clinician prompt for introducing EMDR to clients.

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FAQs

EMDR is a structured, evidence-based psychological therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help clients reduce psychological symptoms by processing distressing memories.

By activating the brain’s natural healing system, EMDR allows unprocessed traumatic memories to be integrated into the memory network, reducing their emotional charge and associated symptoms.

Clients focus on distressing memories, associated negative beliefs, emotions, and bodily sensations while engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tapping, tones). The client's task during processing is to simply 'notice what happens'.

No, EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of traumatic events. Clients are encouraged to simply notice what arises during processing. The 'blind to therapist' EMDR protocol does not require the client to verbalize any details of their trauma experience and is especially suitable for clients who are experiencing high levels of shame.

Session length and number vary. EMDR can be delivered traditionally or intensively (multiple or longer sessions over a short period) depending on client needs.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

Enhances client understanding of EMDR, increasing treatment engagement.
Supports trauma-informed care through clear psychoeducation.
Facilitates clinician-client collaboration in treatment planning.
Reduces misinformation and client apprehension about EMDR.

References And Further Reading

American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline
Andersson, G., & Cuijpers, P. (2009). ‘Psychological treatment’ as an umbrella term for evidence-based psychotherapies?. Nordic Psychology, 61(2), 4-15.
Barber, J. P., & DeRubeis, R. J. (1989). On second thought: Where the action is in cognitive therapy for depression. Cognitive therapy and research, 13, 441-457.
Barlow, D. H. (2004). Psychological treatments. American psychologist, 59(9), 869.
Barlow, D. H. (2006). Psychotherapy and psychological treatments: The future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 13, 216-220.
Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., Emery, G., DeRubeis, R. J., & Hollon, S. D. (2024). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Publications.
Bashir, H. A., Wilson, J. F., Ford, J. A., & Hira, N. (2023). Treatment of PTSD and SUD for the incarcerated population with EMDR: A pilot study. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 44(2), 132–144.
Carletto, S., Malandrone, F., Berchialla, P., Oliva, F., Colombi, N., Hase, M., … & Ostacoli, L. (2021). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1894736.
Crits-Christoph, P., Gibbons, M. B. C., Temes, C. M., Elkin, I., & Gallop, R. (2010). Interpersonal accuracy of interventions and the outcome of cognitive and interpersonal therapies for depression. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 78(3), 420.
Cuijpers, P., Reijnders, M., & Huibers, M. J. (2019). The role of common factors in psychotherapy outcomes. Annual review of clinical psychology, 15(1), 207-231.
Cuijpers, P., Miguel, C., Ciharova, M., Harrer, M., Basic, D., Cristea, I. A., de Ponti, N., et al. (2024). Absolute and relative outcomes of psychotherapies for eight mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry, 23(2), 267-275.
de Bont, P. A. J. M., Van Den Berg, D. P. G., Van Der Vleugel, B. M., de Roos, C. J. A. M., De Jongh, A., Van Der Gaag, M., & Van Minnen, A. M. (2016). Prolonged exposure and EMDR for PTSD v. a PTSD waiting-list condition: effects on symptoms of psychosis, depression and social functioning in patients with chronic psychotic disorders. Psychological Medicine, 46(11), 2411–2421.
de Jongh, A., Amann, B. L., Hofmann, A., Farrell, D., & Lee, C. W. (2019). The status of EMDR therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder 30 years after its introduction. Journal of EMDR Practice & Research, 13(4).
de Jongh, A., de Roos, C., & El‐Leithy, S. (2024). State of the science: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 37(2), 205–216.
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Fonagy, P., Roth, A., & Higgitt, A. (2005). The outcome of psychodynamic psychotherapy for psychological disorders. Clinical neuroscience research, 4(5-6), 367-377.
Gielkens, E. M., Turksma, K., Kranenburg, L. W., Stas, L., Sobczak, S., van Alphen, S. P., & Rossi, G. (2025). Feasibility of EMDR in older adults with PTSD to reduce frailty and improve quality of life. Clinical Gerontologist, 48(1), 37–47.
Hofmann, A., Ostacoli, L., Lehnung, M., Hase, M., & Luber, M. (2022). Treating depression with EMDR therapy: Techniques and interventions. Springer Publishing Company.
Krentzel, C. P., & Tattersall, J. (2024). The distancing approach: A comprehensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing psychotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research.
Lambert, M. J., & Ogles, B. M. (2004). The efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy. Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change, 5, 139-193.
Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry, 44(2), 231-239.
Leichsenring, F., Salzer, S., Beutel, M. E., Herpertz, S., Hiller, W., Hoyer, J., ... & Leibing, E. (2013). Psychodynamic therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy in social anxiety disorder: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 170, 759-767.
Marsden, Z., Lovell, K., Blore, D., Ali, S., & Delgadillo, J. (2018). A randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR and CBT for obsessive–compulsive disorder. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 25(1), e10–e18.
Mavranezouli, I., Megnin-Viggars, O., Grey, N., Bhutani, G., Leach, J., Daly, C., Dias, S., Welton, N. J., Katona, C., El-Leithy, S., & Greenberg, N. (2020). Cost-effectiveness of psychological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults. PloS One, 15(4), e0232245.
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A Guide To Emotions

What Is Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?

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Client version

Overview

Why Use This Resource?