EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured, 8-phase therapy that helps people process and heal from traumatic or distressing life experiences. Developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, EMDR has become one of the most researched and effective methods of psychotherapy, especially for treating trauma and PTSD.
Unlike talk therapy alone, EMDR combines attention to thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations with a technique called bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones). This process allows the brain to reprocess difficult memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming in the present.
EMDR is not:
Hypnosis, mind control, or fortune telling
A way to erase memories or create amnesia
A quick “one-session fix”
A party trick or pseudoscience
Many well-designed studies have demonstrated EMDR’s effectiveness for a wide range of people and experiences.
What to Expect:
- EMDR is present-focused: it helps you notice how past memories show up in your emotions today.
Your therapist will guide you in accessing difficult memories and gently moving them from a state of emotional charge to one of calm and clarity.
Different emotions, sensations, or memories may surface during the process—this is normal.
Your role is simply to notice your experience and give honest feedback; your therapist’s role is to guide with curiosity and care.
The EMDR process follows 8 structured phases to support lasting change. The number of sessions varies depending on your history and goals:
For single-incident trauma (e.g., a car accident), treatment may be shorter.
For complex trauma or longstanding issues, more sessions may be needed.
On average, people attend 6–12 sessions, scheduled weekly or monthly.
The goal is always to move through the process safely, effectively, and at a pace that feels right for you.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR is typically most effective when you have a basic level of stability in your life—personal, medical, or vocational.
If you’re curious about whether EMDR could be a good fit for you, get in touch with Mackenzie Ells for a free 15-minute consultation to talk it through.