Healing trauma through brain-based processing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based psychotherapy method designed to help individuals recover from trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—typically eye movements—to support the brain in reprocessing unresolved memories.
How EMDR therapy works
EMDR is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that traumatic or distressing events can become "stuck" in the brain. When this happens, the memory—along with the emotions, thoughts, and body sensations linked to it—fails to fully process. As a result, these memories may continue to trigger overwhelming reactions in everyday life.
EMDR helps activate the brain’s natural healing mechanisms. By using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones), EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of disturbing memories so they can be stored more adaptively—without the emotional charge. Over time, clients often experience a shift in beliefs, feelings, and physical sensations associated with the trauma.
What to expect during EMDR sessions
EMDR is an eight-phase therapeutic process tailored to each individual’s needs. This therapy is recognized globally for its effectiveness in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and has also shown positive outcomes across a wide range of mental health concerns
- History Taking - The therapist gathers information about past experiences, current challenges, and treatment goals.
- Preparation - You’ll learn coping strategies and visualize a calming “safe place” to use if distress arises during sessions.
- Assessment - The therapist helps you identify a specific distressing memory, negative self-beliefs, and preferred positive beliefs.
- Desensitization - Bilateral stimulation is used while you recall the targeted memory, reducing emotional reactivity over time.
- Installation - Positive, adaptive beliefs are reinforced through continued bilateral stimulation.
- Body Scan - You’ll notice any residual tension or distress; if present, processing continues.
- Closure - Sessions end with grounding techniques to ensure emotional stability, even if the memory isn’t fully processed yet.
- Reevaluation - At the next session, the therapist checks your progress and identifies any unresolved issues.
Conditions EMDR can help treat
While EMDR was initially developed to treat trauma, it is now used for a wide range of mental health concerns, including:
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Birth trauma, perinatal, and postpartum concerns
- Body image and disordered eating
- Sexual distress and relational wounds
- Self-worth issues and imposter syndrome
- Performance anxiety or creative blocks
ADHD Testing Accommodations and Workplace Support
Ubuntu Psychological Services works collaboratively with families, schools, and employers to help implement these supports. A formal diagnosis of ADHD can open the door to supportive accommodations at school and work:
Why choose EMDR?
One of the most unique aspects of EMDR is that you don’t have to describe your trauma in detail for it to work. Instead of analyzing or talking through every aspect of your experience, EMDR activates the brain’s innate ability to resolve it—bypassing the mental roadblocks that often come with overthinking or emotional overwhelm.
This makes EMDR particularly useful for clients who are highly analytical or who struggle to “feel” their way through healing. The eye movements help quiet the overactive thinking brain so deeper emotional healing can occur naturally.
Recognized and research-backed by leading health organizations
Clinical studies show EMDR can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms of PTSD in as few as six sessions—especially for single-event trauma. It’s an efficient and well-tolerated option for clients who want to heal without retraumatization.
WHO
APA
