What is EMDR?

If you have ever heard the term EMDR and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it’s an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.

Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR combines aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy with a unique tool called bilateral stimulation – typically eye movements, gentle taps, or tones. These bilateral movements help the brain “reprocess” traumatic memories, reducing the emotional intensity tied to them – you do not forget the memory, but it takes the “sting” out of it.

EMDR allows the brain to heal from psychological trauma much like the body recovers from physical trauma. By guiding the mind through a structured process, EMDR can ease the grip of painful memories and create space for healing, resilience, and renewed wellbeing.

If you’re curious about EMDR, know that it’s not just about revisiting the past—it’s about unlocking your brain’s natural ability to heal and move forward.