Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy originally developed to help individuals recover from trauma and distressing life experiences. EMDR is best known for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is also used to support individuals dealing with anxiety, phobias, grief, and other emotional difficulties.
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge. During sessions, clients are guided to briefly recall distressing events while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This process helps the brain integrate unresolved memories, leading to reduced emotional reactivity and increased psychological resilience.
EMDR is delivered in individual therapy sessions, and treatment is tailored to each person’s pace and needs. It follows a structured, eight-phase protocol, including preparation, memory processing, and the development of adaptive coping strategies. EMDR can be used as a standalone treatment or integrated with other therapeutic approaches, depending on the goals and preferences of the client.
Want to book a session at Darlinghurst Psychologists?
Make an appointment here or contact our friendly team today at (02) 9331 3100
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Frequently Asked Questions
EMDR is a trauma-focused psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. The therapy involves recalling emotionally disturbing experiences while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements), which helps the brain “reprocess” traumatic memories so they become less distressing and more adaptive.
Reference: Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.).
EMDR is best supported by evidence for:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Acute stress disorder
- Complex trauma (e.g., childhood abuse)
- Combat-related trauma and first responder trauma
Emerging evidence also supports EMDR for:
- Anxiety disorders (e.g., panic, phobias)
- Depression
- Dissociative disorders
- Chronic pain
- Substance use disorders
- Grief and complicated bereavement
APA Division 12 lists EMDR as an empirically supported treatment for PTSD:
https://div12.org/treatment/eye-movement-desensitization-and-reprocessing-emdr-for-ptsd/
EMDR is delivered through an 8-phase protocol:
- History taking and treatment planning
- Preparation – Establishing safety and resourcing
- Assessment – Identifying target memories
- Desensitization – Bilateral stimulation while recalling the memory
- Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs
- Body scan – Noticing and resolving residual tension
- Closure – Ensuring emotional safety after each session
- Re-evaluation – Assessing progress in future sessions
The goal is to transform disturbing memories so they no longer cause emotional distress or functional impairment.
Reference: Shapiro, 2018
EMDR is typically delivered in weekly individual therapy sessions. The total duration varies depending on the client’s history and number of target memories.
- Sessions include structured sets of eye movements or alternative bilateral stimulation (e.g., tapping, auditory tones)
- EMDR does not typically involve detailed verbal recounting of trauma, which some clients find more tolerable than exposure therapies
- EMDR can be adapted for use with children, groups, telehealth, or intensive multi-day formats
Reference: Greenwald, 2013; Shapiro, 2018
The number of sessions needed varies depending on:
- Severity and complexity of trauma
- Number of target memories
- Presence of dissociation or comorbid conditions
A single-incident trauma (e.g., car crash) may require as few as 6–12 sessions, while complex trauma often requires longer-term therapy.
Reference: Ecker et al., 2020
Yes—EMDR is recognized by major health organizations worldwide as an effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD, including:
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (UK)
Research shows EMDR:
- Reduces PTSD symptoms and comorbid depression/anxiety
- Matches or outperforms trauma-focused CBT in some trials
- Requires fewer sessions on average than traditional talk therapy
References: Chen et al., 2014; APA Division 12, 2023
EMDR is appropriate for:
- Adults and children with trauma-related symptoms
- Clients with PTSD, complex trauma, or traumatic grief
- Individuals who find traditional talk therapy overwhelming
A well-trained clinician will assess readiness and safety before beginning reprocessing.
Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., … & 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, 9(8), e103676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103676
Ecker, B., Ticic, R., & Hulley, L. (2020). The neuroscience of memory reconsolidation and the therapeutic elimination of emotional learnings. Routledge.
Greenwald, R. (2013). EMDR within a phase model of trauma-informed treatment. Routledge.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Society of Clinical Psychology, APA Division 12. (n.d.). EMDR for PTSD. Retrieved from https://div12.org/treatment/eye-movement-desensitization-and-reprocessing-emdr-for-ptsd
