Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach originally developed to help people process traumatic memories. The core idea is that disturbing experiences can get “stuck” in the brain’s memory networks, leaving individuals with lingering distress, intrusive thoughts, or heightened emotional responses.

During EMDR, the clinician guides the client to recall aspects of a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation—most commonly side-to-side eye movements, but sometimes alternating sounds or taps. This dual attention process is thought to help the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and allowing it to be stored in a more adaptive way.

EMDR is structured in eight phases, including history taking, preparation, identifying target memories, desensitization through bilateral stimulation, and installation of positive beliefs. Research has shown EMDR to be highly effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it is also used for anxiety, phobias, grief, and other stress-related issues.

The goal is not to erase the memory but to lessen its emotional charge so the person can recall it without being overwhelmed.