EMDR FAQs

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy that helps people process and recover from distressing memories, trauma, and negative beliefs. It uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) to support the brain’s natural healing processes.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to activate both sides of the brain while a client focuses on a memory or difficult emotion. This helps the brain reprocess and reorganize troubling experiences so they become less intense and more adaptive over time.

Trauma Anxiety and panic Phobias Grief and loss Depression Negative self-beliefs Other distressing life experiences

No. While EMDR takes place within a therapeutic relationship and involves discussion, its core process focuses on reprocessing memories through bilateral stimulation, rather than just talking and analyzing. EMDR is a neurological process, not a cognitive one.

Clients will recall distressing memories during the process, but EMDR is structured in a safe, gradual way. Your therapist ensures you have coping skills and support in place before addressing deeper material.

Yes. EMDR is supported by extensive research and recommended for trauma and PTSD by organizations like: American Psychological Association (APA) World Health Organization (WHO)

No. While EMDR is best known for helping trauma, it also helps with: Anxiety Depression Stress reduction Phobias Attachment difficulties Negative self-beliefs

Some people notice emotional ups and downs early in treatment as memories are processed. This is normal and something your therapist monitors throughout your care.

EMDR is considered a safe and well-researched therapy when provided by a trained clinician. That said, like any therapy that works with emotions and memory, there are some potential risks to be aware of. Some of these risks may include: Temporary emotional discomfort Processing memories can bring up strong emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, or grief—especially early in treatment. Increased awareness between sessions Some clients notice vivid dreams, new memories, body sensations, or emotional shifts as the brain continues processing after sessions. Feeling tired or “emotionally sore” EMDR can be mentally and emotionally taxing, and some people feel fatigued afterward. Surfacing of unexpected memories As the brain reprocesses experiences, related memories may arise that were not originally planned to be addressed. Overwhelm if done too quickly or without preparation EMDR requires adequate stabilization and pacing. When rushed or done without proper grounding skills, clients may feel flooded or dysregulated.

You are in an active crisis If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, severe instability, or immediate safety concerns, therapy first focuses on stabilization and safety. Substance use is currently interfering with emotional regulation Active substance dependence can make it harder to stay present and grounded during sessions. You are seeking insight-only or talk-based therapy EMDR is more experiential than analytical. Clients who prefer primarily conversation-based processing may prefer a different approach. You are actively taking certain medications EMDR may be less effective for some clients who are actively using certain medications, particularly benzodiazepines (such as Ativan, Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin). Benzodiazepines can dampen emotional activation, reduce access to bodily sensations, or interfere with the brain’s natural memory processing. Because EMDR relies on engaging the brain and nervous system during reprocessing, these medications can sometimes make it harder for the therapy to work as intended.