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Writer's pictureSamm Starrs
Jul 27, 20243 min read

Not All Therapy Is Equal: EMDR


Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

The Who of EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. She realised that eye movements seemed to decrease her negative emotions associated with her own distressing memories. She began to experiment with this and discovered the same response in others. However, the eye movements alone did not create a complete therapeutic effect and so she added a cognitive component and came up with her standard procedure of EMDR.


The What of EMDR

EMDR is a psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It is a revolutionary approach to mental health treatment with its unique approach to trauma. This technique has been well-researched and is now an evidence-based method that is continually evolving.


The core processes of EMDR include:

  • History Taking: Gathering a comprehensive history of the client's experiences and identifying specific traumatic memories to target in therapy.

  • Preparation: Preparing the client for EMDR by explaining the process, establishing a therapeutic relationship, and teaching relaxation and coping techniques to manage emotional distress.

  • Assessment: Identifying the specific traumatic memory to be processed, including the visual image, negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the memory. The client also identifies a positive belief to replace the negative one.

  • Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but also tapping or auditory tones) while the client focuses on the traumatic memory. This process helps to reduce the intensity of the negative emotions and physical sensations associated with the memory.

  • Installation: Strengthening the positive belief identified in the assessment phase. The client focuses on the positive belief while continuing bilateral stimulation to integrate the new, more adaptive belief.

  • Body Scan: Checking for any residual physical tension or discomfort related to the traumatic memory. The client scans their body to identify any lingering distress and addresses it with additional bilateral stimulation if needed.

  • Closure: Ensuring the client feels stable and calm at the end of each session. Techniques for relaxation and self-care are reinforced, and the client is prepared for the next session.

  • Reevaluation: Reviewing the progress made in previous sessions and assessing the need for further processing of the same memory or other memories. This phase ensures that the positive changes are maintained and identifies any new targets for treatment.


These core processes help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and leading to improved psychological well-being. EMDR is most known for treating PTSD or cPTSD; however, it is expanding to treat many other conditions. By moving your eyes in a very specific way while you process your traumatic memories, EMDR's goal is to help the individual heal from distressing life experiences. It is beneficial for all age groups.


Make sure you check out the Not All Therapy Is Equal: A Series blog to read about the other types of therapy out there, because as the titles suggest, not all therapy is equal and to get the best results you must find the best kind of therapy for you and the best therapist practising that type of therapy. Your mental health matters and you deserve to have the most productive experience you can, which means sometimes you might have to find a new therapist and new type of therapy.



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