What is EMDR?

Written By Lauryn Lucido, LMFT

What does EMDR stand for?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based psychotherapy practice meant to reduce symptoms of traumatic memories and events.

How does it work?

The therapy world has come up with multiple theories to explain how EMDR works, some more complex than others. The most important thing to understand is that a traumatic event or memory may cause a block in the brain’s processing preventing healing. EMDR can remove that block through a form of bilateral stimulation (typically through rapid eye movements) so that your brain can heal.

An example of rapid eye movement is when your eyes move back and forth during REM sleep. During this deep sleep state, your eyes move back and forth quickly while your brain is processing information. EMDR simulates that same eye movement while you are talking about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in your body related to your traumatic memories so that your brain can move through the trauma and reprocess it differently. EMDR does not affect your memory of the traumatic event, but it does change how you see, think about, and/or experience it in your body.

What can I expect?

Through EMDR therapy, you can expect to talk about some difficult memories while the therapist guides you through a very specific protocol. Your brain does all the work for you and your job is to just show up and share about what you are thinking, feeling, and experiencing in your body. If talk therapy isn’t getting you the results you are looking for, EMDR may be a great fit for you! 

How do I learn more?

You can sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with me, or with one of our trauma therapists and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have (California residents only). We provide online therapy and also offer many different types of trauma therapy groups. All of our therapists specialize in trauma-informed care, and informed trauma therapy. You can also check out our EMDR Q&A blog or visit this website to learn more about EMDR. 

These blogs talk more about the basics of EMDR:

You can read more about Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy here:

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Lauryn Lucido, LMFT
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