EMDR Therapy

Trauma and painful memories can leave lasting effects – emotionally, mentally and even physically. You may feel anxious, on edge or overwhelmed by certain triggers. For many people, EMDR therapy offers a path to healing and relief.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of mental health therapy that helps people recover from upsetting or distressing life events. At Banner Health, we have licensed therapists trained in EMDR, ready to support your mental wellness.

What is EMDR? 

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a mental health treatment developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. She noticed that guided eye movements helped reduce the power of distressing thoughts and memories.

EMDR is especially helpful for people who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, accidents, grief or violence. It can also help people struggling with negative beliefs, fear or stress.

During EMDR therapy, you focus briefly on a difficult memory while your therapist guides you through back-and-forth movements like eye tracking, tapping or sounds. This process, called bilateral stimulation, helps your brain process the memory in a new way.

Although EMDR uses eye movement, it differs from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and hypnosis.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This model suggests that your brain, like your body, naturally works to heal after a painful event. 

But when something very upsetting or traumatic happens, your brain may be unable to fully process it. The memory can get “stuck” and you may continue to feel fear, panic or sadness, even long after the event is over.

EMDR helps your brain finish processing these memories. During therapy, you focus on a specific memory while your therapist leads you through eye movements or tapping. This process supports the brain in storing memory in a healthier way, so it no longer causes the same emotional or physical reaction.   

You still remember the event, but it doesn’t feel as painful or overwhelming.

How is EMDR different from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

Both EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are evidence-based treatments that help people manage difficult thoughts and emotions. But they work in different ways.

CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors through talking, learning coping skills and practicing strategies between sessions. You might be asked to keep a journal or do homework to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns.

EMDR doesn’t rely on talk therapy or homework. Instead, it helps your brain reprocess distressing memories, so they feel less upsetting over time.

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR is best known for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but it can also help with many other mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Grief and complicated loss
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Sexual assault
• Phobias or fears
• Performance anxiety
• Chronic pain or health-related distress
• Low self-esteem or persistent negative thoughts

EMDR can help people of all ages, including children and teens, when provided by a trained mental health professional.

What happens during an EMDR session?

EMDR therapy is guided by a licensed therapist and moves at a pace that feels safe and comfortable. Sessions typically last between 50 and 90 minutes. 

EMDR therapy follows eight structured phases:

• History and planning: Your therapist learns about your history and creates a treatment plan.
• Preparation: You learn about EMDR and practice calming strategies like breathing or grounding.
• Assessment: You and your therapist choose a memory or a disturbing event to target.
• Desensitization: You focus on the memory while doing eye movements or tapping.
• Installation: You work on replacing negative thoughts with more positive, helpful ones.
• Body scan: You notice any tension in your body and let it go.
• Closure: Each session ends with techniques to help you feel calm and safe.
• Re-evaluation: You and your therapist review your progress and plan next steps. 

You don’t need to talk about every detail of the trauma. EMDR focuses more on how you feel now and how your brain can move through those thoughts and reactions.

The benefits of EMDR

People often describe EMDR as powerful and healing. Over time, many feel a lasting sense of relief. 

Benefits may include:

• Fewer flashbacks or distressing thoughts
• Reducing anxiety and panic
• Feeling more emotionally balanced
• Better sleep and concentration
• A greater sense of safety and control
• Healthier self-esteem and better relationships

EMDR doesn’t erase memories. Instead, it helps you respond to them in a calmer, more helpful way. Some say they finally “closed the book” on a painful chapter in their lives. 

When to consider EMDR

You may benefit from EMDR if:

• You’ve experienced a traumatic or adverse life event
• You feel stuck in negative thoughts, emotions or physical reactions
• You react strongly to certain people, places or sounds
• You’ve tried other therapies without much relief
• You want to feel more in control of your thoughts and feelings

Even if you’re unsure EMDR is right for you, our team can help you explore your options and guide you toward the right treatment.

For more information on EMDR, visit the EMDR International Association.

EMDR therapy at Banner Health

Life can be difficult but healing is possible. At Banner Health, we offer trauma-informed care that supports healing from difficult life experiences. Our licensed mental health providers are trained in EMDR therapy and understand how to guide you through the process with care and compassion.

Whether you’re ready to begin or just starting to think about treatment, we’re here to help.

• Find a Banner Behavioral Health specialist near you
• Explore our behavioral health services
• Get help understanding insurance and coverage options
• Take the next step toward healing and recovery