Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.
How EMDR Works
Much like how our physical body naturally heals from bumps and bruises, our mind constantly attempts to heal itself emotionally. EMDR therapy accelerates this natural emotional healing process that would otherwise take much longer.
Importantly, EMDR isn’t about talking through trauma. Instead, ‘processing’ creates a learning state that allows difficult experiences to be properly ‘digested’ and stored in your brain. What’s useful from the experience gets learned and stored with appropriate emotions, helping guide you positively in the future.
The Science Behind It
Brain scans show clear changes after EMDR therapy, returning the brain to more normal functioning. During sessions, specific areas become more active, including:
- The prefrontal cortex (responsible for planning, organising, focusing)
- The orbitofrontal cortex (controls emotions and social interaction)
- The anterior cingulate cortex (regulates impulse control, empathy and judgment)
Your brain actively works to process and resolve both the trauma and its connected emotions.
What Happens in a Session
During treatment:
- You focus on a troubling memory
- Identify beliefs connected to the negative memory
- Form a positive belief you’d like to have instead
- Notice physical sensations and emotions
- Follow the therapist’s finger moving side to side
- Process how you feel after each set of movements
- Continue until the memory becomes less disturbing3
The Results
While EMDR isn’t a “quick fix,” many clients are amazed at how rapidly they process painful memories. The memory itself remains, but without the emotional charge or physical effects when thinking about it.
When to Consider EMDR
It’s never too late to seek help – PTSD can be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event. While some may start with watchful waiting, the main treatment options in the UK include EMDR and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Though traumatic events are difficult to process, confronting and understanding your feelings with professional help is often the most effective path to healing.
Recommended Reading
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk A comprehensive look at trauma’s impact and healing
“Getting Past Your Past” by Francine Shapiro Written by EMDR’s developer about how the therapy works
“Attachment-Focused EMDR” by Laurel Parnell Exploring the relationship between trauma and attachment
Remember: EMDR should always be conducted by a properly trained and qualified therapist who can guide you safely through the process.
