EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy technique primarily used to treat trauma, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR helps individuals process and resolve distressing memories, allowing them to reduce their emotional intensity and negative impact. While commonly associated with PTSD treatment, it can also be beneficial for other challenges like depression, phobias, and panic disorders.
My first experience with EMDR was as a college student in 2012. After a traumatic bike accident, I struggled to feel safe riding in cars or on a bike. My own therapist at the time suggested we try EMDR therapy, and within a few sessions, I noticed a remarkable difference in how I felt about the accident. I could move on and return to the activities of normal life without the constant hypervigilance.
With dozens of clinical trials supporting its efficacy, the therapeutic modality of EMDR is quickly rising in popularity. Here are some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions.
How Does It Work?
When traumatized, your brain's natural ability to process new information becomes overwhelmed. Instead of processing distressing events, the memories and emotions get "stuck" in the brain's limbic system in a raw, emotional form, disconnected from language and logical thought. These unprocessed memories can be triggered by similar experiences, causing ongoing emotional reactions like anxiety or panic, even if the original memory is forgotten or irrelevant to the present moment.
EMDR connects these isolated memories to the brain's memory networks and allows for natural healing from emotional pain and negative thought patterns. Your therapist will use bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping, alternating buzzers, or sounds, to activate both sides of your brain. At the same time, you focus on a specific targeted memory. This process helps your brain reprocess the memory in a healthier, less distressing way.
Over time, the emotional charge of the memory decreases, the intensity of somatic symptoms is reduced, and more positive or adaptive beliefs can replace negative feelings associated with the memory. EMDR allows people to remember traumatic events without being physically or emotionally overwhelmed by them, promoting emotional healing.

What is an EMDR session like?
After a thorough assessment and proper preparation with your therapist, you'll focus on a disturbing memory while following the light bar’s movement with your eyes, recreating eye movements like those during REM sleep. You’ll then share any thoughts, images, or feelings that arise. You will actively be reprocessing your memory in a healthier way without having to verbalize every detail to your therapist; many people are surprised at how little talking actually occurs during this stage of treatment. With repeated sets of stimulation, the memory often loses its emotional intensity, becoming a neutral event from the past. Other associated memories may also heal at the same time. This linking of related memories can lead to a dramatic and rapid improvement in many aspects of your life.
What evidence is there that shows EMDR is a successful treatment?
There is substantial evidence supporting EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma and other mental health conditions:
PTSD Treatment: Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have shown EMDR to be highly effective in treating PTSD (Chen, et al, 2014). The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) all endorse EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
Research Studies: A 2013 meta-analysis of 26 studies concluded that EMDR is as effective as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating PTSD, but often works faster, with fewer sessions required to reduce symptoms (Bisson et al, 2013).
Neurological Evidence: Brain imaging studies show changes in brain activity after EMDR therapy, particularly in areas related to memory processing and emotional regulation, suggesting that EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories.
Effectiveness Beyond PTSD: Emerging research shows EMDR’s success in treating anxiety, depression, phobias, and chronic pain. Studies have demonstrated reductions in symptoms across various disorders, with many patients reporting lasting improvements.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
If you’ve experienced trauma, or anxiety, or feel “stuck” in negative thought patterns, EMDR might be right for you. It is especially effective for individuals dealing with PTSD, but it’s also been proven helpful for those facing other challenges, such as:
anxiety and panic attacks
depression
stress
phobias
sleep problems
grief or loss
chronic pain phantom limb pain
self-esteem and performance anxiety
EMDR therapy could be a good fit if traditional talk therapy hasn’t worked, or if you’re looking for an approach that doesn’t require retelling trauma in detail. However, EMDR isn’t for everyone. Individuals with certain mental health conditions, such as severe dissociative disorders, may need alternative treatments or specific modifications. It’s important to discuss your history and concerns with your EMDR-trained therapist to determine if this approach is the best option for your healing.
Several of our therapists at Thalia Center are EMDR trained and are excited to offer this treatment to our clients. We can work with you as your primary therapist incorporating EMDR, or in conjunction with another therapist to solely provide EMDR intensive sessions.
References:
Bisson, J.I., Roberts, N.P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R., & Lewis, C. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(12).
Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Ou, K. L., & Chou, K. R. (2014). Efficacy of Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One, 9(8), e103676.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.) New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Shapiro, F. & Silk Forest, M. (2016). EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma (Updated ed.) New York, NY: Basic Books.
About the author
Sophie Halma, LPC-T
Sophie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Couples & Family Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She often uses humor and creativity to create a warm atmosphere where people feel safe to be themselves and talk openly about their lives. Her approach involves building a strong connection with her clients and growing to understand their reality - their history, family, culture, and environment. By meeting them where they are without judgment and using clients’ personalized ideas of success and wellness to reach their goals, she can custom-tailor the therapy experience for each client. Sophie is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), and uses ACT and Internal Family Systems interventions in her approach. In couples and relationship work, she uses the Gottman method to provide couples with tangible tools to strengthen their relationship, manage conflict, and cultivate shared dreams. Sophie provides individual and relationship therapy to teens, adults, and couples. She enjoys working with anxiety and trauma, life transitions, new parents, and the perinatal population. Sophie has additional training in post-partum mood disorders and is currently pursuing her PMH-C through Postpartum Support International.
Interested in scheduling with Sophie? Call us at 913.444.6868 or email us at officemanager@thaliatherapy.com.
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