What Is EMDR Therapy?

By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast, QLD

Understanding EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based psychological treatment that was originally developed to help people recover from traumatic experiences [1]. Since its development in the late 1980s, EMDR has become one of the most widely researched therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related difficulties [2–8].

Many people first hear about EMDR when searching for help with trauma, PTSD, childhood adversity, accidents, assaults, medical trauma, or distressing life experiences. However, people are often unsure what EMDR actually involves or how it differs from other therapies.

EMDR is based on the idea that some experiences may not be fully processed by the brain at the time they occur. As a result, memories can remain emotionally charged and continue influencing thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviour long after the original event has ended [5].

The aim of EMDR is not to erase memories. Instead, the goal is to help the brain process difficult experiences in a way that reduces ongoing distress and allows the memory to become part of a person’s life story rather than something that continues to dominate the present.

What Does EMDR Stand For?

EMDR stands for:

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

The name reflects two important aspects of the therapy.

Desensitisation refers to reducing the emotional intensity associated with distressing memories.

Reprocessing refers to helping the brain integrate memories in a more adaptive and less disruptive way.

Although eye movements were used in the original protocol, modern EMDR may also involve tapping, alternating sounds, or other forms of bilateral stimulation.

Why Can Traumatic Memories Feel So Powerful?

Most experiences are naturally processed and integrated into existing memory networks.

Traumatic experiences can sometimes be different.

When a person experiences overwhelming fear, helplessness, danger, or distress, the memory may become stored in a way that remains strongly connected to the emotions, body sensations, beliefs, and perceptions present at the time [5].

For example, years after an event, a person may still experience:

• Intrusive memories
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Strong emotional reactions
• Physical tension
• Hypervigilance
• Avoidance
• Feelings of shame or guilt

Importantly, these reactions do not necessarily mean a person is weak or incapable. Rather, they may reflect the way the nervous system has adapted to a difficult experience.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

Researchers continue to investigate the precise mechanisms involved in EMDR [6,7].

Current theories suggest that bilateral stimulation may assist the brain in processing distressing memories while simultaneously maintaining awareness of present safety.

During EMDR therapy, a person briefly focuses on aspects of a memory while following guided bilateral stimulation.

Over time, many individuals report that:

• Memories feel less vivid
• Distress decreases
• Negative beliefs become less convincing
• Emotional reactions become less intense
• Greater perspective develops

For example, a person who previously felt “I am not safe” may gradually develop a more balanced understanding such as “That event was frightening, but I am safe now.”

What Happens During EMDR Sessions?

EMDR follows a structured eight-phase treatment model developed by Francine Shapiro [5].

Phase 1: History Taking and Assessment

The psychologist gathers information about current difficulties, significant life experiences, strengths, goals, and support systems.

Phase 2: Preparation

Before trauma processing begins, people learn skills to manage emotional distress and remain grounded.

This phase is particularly important because effective trauma therapy involves more than simply revisiting painful memories.

Phase 3: Assessment

Specific memories, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations are identified.

Phases 4–7: Processing

The memory is processed using EMDR procedures and bilateral stimulation.

Throughout the process, the psychologist carefully monitors emotional responses and helps maintain safety and stability.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

Progress is reviewed and future treatment goals are considered.

Does EMDR Mean Reliving Trauma?

This is one of the most common misconceptions.

EMDR does not require people to repeatedly describe traumatic experiences in extensive detail.

Although distressing memories are addressed, the therapy focuses on processing and integration rather than prolonged retelling of events.

Many people find this aspect of EMDR appealing because it allows trauma work to occur without extensive verbal recounting.

What Conditions May EMDR Help With?

The strongest evidence supports EMDR for PTSD and trauma-related difficulties [2–4].

However, clinicians sometimes use EMDR within broader treatment plans for:

• Complex PTSD
• Childhood trauma
• Medical trauma
• Workplace trauma
• Accident-related trauma
• Grief and loss
• Anxiety associated with traumatic experiences
• Adjustment difficulties following significant life events

Suitability depends on the individual’s presentation, goals, and current circumstances.

What Does The Research Say?

EMDR is recognised by numerous international organisations as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD [2–4].

Research has demonstrated that EMDR can produce significant improvements in trauma symptoms and functioning [6–8].

Major organisations supporting EMDR as a treatment option for PTSD include:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
• Phoenix Australia
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs clinical guidelines

As with all therapies, outcomes vary between individuals. Nevertheless, the research supporting EMDR for trauma-related conditions is substantial.

Is EMDR Right For Everyone?

No single therapy suits every person or every situation.

Some individuals benefit greatly from EMDR. Others may find alternative approaches more appropriate.

A comprehensive psychological assessment helps determine whether EMDR is likely to be helpful and whether additional preparation or support is needed before trauma processing begins.

EMDR As Part Of A Broader Therapy Approach

EMDR is often most effective when integrated within a broader evidence-based treatment framework.

For example, therapy may also incorporate:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-based approaches
• Emotional regulation skills
• Behavioural strategies
• Supportive psychotherapy

The goal is not simply to reduce symptoms. Therapy also aims to improve functioning, strengthen coping skills, and support meaningful engagement in life.

Related Articles

You may also find these articles helpful:

• What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
• What Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
• Understanding Complex PTSD
• Trauma Responses Explained
• Hypervigilance and the Nervous System
• Dissociation and Trauma

Related Service Pages

• EMDR Therapy in Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast QLD
• PTSD Therapy
• Complex PTSD Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

References

[1] Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye movement desensitization: A new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 20(3), 211–217. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7916(89)90025-6

[2] World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241505406

[3] International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. (2018). ISTSS prevention and treatment guidelines. https://istss.org/clinical-resources/trauma-treatment/istss-prevention-and-treatment-guidelines/

[4] Phoenix Australia. Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, PTSD and Complex PTSD. https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/australian-guidelines-for-ptsd/

[5] Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

[6] Cuijpers, P., Veen, S. C., Sijbrandij, M., Yoder, W., & Cristea, I. A. (2020). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for mental health problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 49(3), 165–180. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2019.1703801

[7] Wilson, G., Farrell, D., Barron, I., Hutchins, J., Whybrow, D., & Kiernan, M. D. (2018). The use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating PTSD. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 923. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923

[8] Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., Simon, N., Bethell, A., & Bisson, J. I. (2020). Psychological therapies for PTSD in adults. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1), 1729633. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2020.1729633