![A calm space where difficult memories can be processed](https://viacara.com/img/content/approaches-emdr-feature-light.webp) # EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Learn how EMDR works, what happens in sessions and why it is recommended for trauma and PTSD. ## What is EMDR? EMDR is a structured therapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It was originally designed for trauma and PTSD, but is now used for a range of conditions including anxiety, phobias, grief and chronic pain. EMDR works differently from traditional talking therapies. Rather than analysing your experiences in detail, it helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger the same intense emotional and physical reactions. ## How it works When something traumatic happens, your brain can struggle to process the experience in the way it normally would. The memory gets stored with all its original intensity: the fear, the helplessness, the physical sensations. EMDR helps unblock this natural processing. During EMDR, your therapist will ask you to recall a disturbing memory while simultaneously following a form of bilateral stimulation, most commonly their finger moving back and forth in front of your eyes. Other forms include tapping on alternate knees or holding buzzers that vibrate in each hand. This bilateral stimulation appears to help your brain process the memory more fully, reducing its emotional charge. After successful EMDR, you can still remember what happened, but the memory no longer feels overwhelming. ![The gentle process of reprocessing difficult experiences](https://viacara.com/img/content/approaches-emdr-mid-light.webp) EMDR helps your brain process traumatic memories the way it processes everyday ones ## What sessions look like The eight *EMDR* phases 1. **History and planning** The therapist learns about the client and agrees a treatment plan. 2. **Preparation** The therapist explains the work and helps the client develop ways to manage distress. 3. **Assessment** They identify a memory, its associated beliefs, emotions and body sensations. 4. **Desensitisation** The therapist guides memory work with sets of eye movements, taps or sounds. 5. **Installation** The work focuses on a preferred positive belief linked to the memory. 6. **Body scan** The client notices any remaining physical discomfort linked to the memory. 7. **Closure** The therapist supports the client before the session ends and discusses what may arise between sessions. 8. **Re-evaluation** The therapist reviews progress and what needs further work. The therapist can revisit earlier work. These are phases of treatment, not a fixed number of sessions. Eye movements are only one part of EMDR. Assessment, preparation and review also form part of the therapy. A typical course of EMDR is 6 to 12 sessions, though complex trauma may require more. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, longer than standard therapy sessions. Source: [EMDR Institute: overview](https://viacara.com/approaches/emdr/#ref-5) ## Who is it best suited to? EMDR is recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and the World Health Organisation for PTSD. It can be particularly helpful if you: - Have experienced a traumatic event (accident, assault, witnessing violence) - Suffer from flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive memories - Have PTSD or complex PTSD - Experience phobias or anxiety linked to specific events - Have tried talking therapy but find it difficult to discuss the trauma in detail One of EMDR's strengths is that you do not need to talk about the traumatic experience in great detail. This makes it more accessible for people who find verbal processing of trauma overwhelming. ## How it differs from other approaches EMDR is sometimes confused with [emotionally focused therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/emotionally-focused-therapy/), shortened to EFT, because the initials look alike. That is a couples and family therapy, not a trauma treatment. Unlike [CBT](https://viacara.com/approaches/cbt/), which works on changing your thoughts about an experience, EMDR works on how the memory is stored in your brain. You are not asked to challenge your beliefs or complete homework. The processing happens during sessions through the bilateral stimulation. Unlike [psychodynamic therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/psychodynamic/), EMDR does not explore the broader patterns of your life. It is focused and targeted: identify the memory, process it, move on to the next one. ## The evidence EMDR has a large evidence base for PTSD. Chen and colleagues (2014) pooled the randomised controlled trials and reported reduced PTSD symptoms. NICE recommends it for adults with PTSD after a non-combat-related trauma, alongside [trauma-focused CBT](https://viacara.com/approaches/trauma-focused-cbt/). If you are starting from what happened rather than from a therapy name, our [trauma and PTSD page](https://viacara.com/support/trauma/) is the place to begin. Maxfield and Hyer (2002) reviewed the EMDR trials and found that the more rigorous studies reported the larger effects. On this page [What is EMDR?](https://viacara.com/approaches/emdr/#what-is-emdr) [How it works](https://viacara.com/approaches/emdr/#how-it-works) [What sessions look like](https://viacara.com/approaches/emdr/#what-sessions-look-like) [Who is it best suited to?](https://viacara.com/approaches/emdr/#who-is-it-best-suited-to) [How it differs from other approaches](https://viacara.com/approaches/emdr/#how-it-differs-from-other-approaches) [The evidence](https://viacara.com/approaches/emdr/#the-evidence) Related [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)](https://viacara.com/approaches/cbt/) [Understanding Anxiety](https://viacara.com/support/anxiety/) [Understanding Different Approaches](https://viacara.com/guides/understanding-approaches/) [Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT, not EMDR)](https://viacara.com/approaches/emotionally-focused-therapy/) [Trauma and PTSD](https://viacara.com/support/trauma/) [Trauma-Focused CBT](https://viacara.com/approaches/trauma-focused-cbt/) Thanks for your interest. We're not taking on new clients at the moment. ## Looking for *EMDR* support? We ask what matters to you, then find professionals who fit. Leave your email and we'll let you know as soon as we're ready for you. This conversation helps us find you the right support. What you share helps us understand what you're looking for and find someone who fits. Your email keeps you updated on what's happening next and isn't shared with anyone we introduce you to. [Privacy policy](https://viacara.com/privacy/) [Terms of service](https://viacara.com/terms/) ## References 1. Shapiro, F. (2001). *Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols and Procedures*. Guilford Press. 2. Maxfield, L. & Hyer, L. (2002). *The relationship between efficacy and methodology in studies investigating EMDR treatment of PTSD*. Journal of Clinical Psychology. [doi:10.1002/jclp.1127](https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.1127) 3. Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., Liao, Y. M., Ou, K. L., Chang, Y. C. & Chou, K. R. (2014). *Efficacy of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials*. PLOS ONE. [doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103676](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103676) 4. NICE (2018). *Post-traumatic stress disorder (NG116)*. [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116) 5. EMDR Institute (2026). *What is EMDR?*. [emdr.com](https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/) ## Related ### [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)](https://viacara.com/approaches/cbt/) Learn how CBT works, what happens in sessions and what NICE says about it, and read about its forms for sleep, pain and self-help. ### [Understanding Anxiety](https://viacara.com/support/anxiety/) Learn about anxiety, its symptoms and how therapy can help. Find the right practitioner for anxiety support. ### [Understanding Different Approaches](https://viacara.com/guides/understanding-approaches/) A plain-English guide to the main therapeutic approaches including CBT, person-centred therapy, psychodynamic and integrative methods. ### [Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT, not EMDR)](https://viacara.com/approaches/emotionally-focused-therapy/) Learn how emotionally focused therapy works for couples and families, how it differs from EMDR and tapping, and what the research shows. ### [Trauma and PTSD](https://viacara.com/support/trauma/) Trauma can keep a frightening event alive long after it ended. PTSD is common and treatable. Find a professional who works with trauma. ### [Trauma-Focused CBT](https://viacara.com/approaches/trauma-focused-cbt/) Learn how trauma-focused CBT works, what happens in sessions, how it differs from EMDR and what NICE says about it and its main forms.