What is EMDR therapy?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a mental health treatment technique. This method involves activating your brain through bi-lateral stimulation (eye movement, tapping, etc) to process difficult or traumatic memories. EMDR is a very structured system that includes identifying difficult memories as well as negative beliefs about self in order to reduce their impacts. EMDR’s goal is to help you heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. In addition, EMDR can help reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety for many people. Compared to other therapy methods, EMDR is relatively new. The first clinical trial investigating EMDR was in 1989. Dozens of clinical trials since EMDR’s development show this technique is effective and can help a person faster than many other methods.