Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A Groundbreaking Approach to Healing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative therapy that helps individuals heal from trauma, emotional distress, and various mental health conditions. Originally developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has evolved to address a wide spectrum of mental and physical health challenges, including anxiety, depression, addiction, disordered eating, dissociation, obsessions, compulsions, and more.
What sets EMDR apart is its ability to connect people with inner resources, gifts, and strengths, while also helping balance the nervous system. EMDR provides tools not only for processing trauma but also for navigating emotions and grief, allowing individuals to experience profound healing and reconnection to themselves.
What makes EMDR so unique is that it does not require extensive discussion or reliving of traumatic events. Instead, it uses a simple somatic and brain-wise technique—bilateral stimulation through eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help the brain reprocess disturbing memories. As a result, EMDR offers rapid and lasting healing for trauma, often in fewer sessions than traditional therapies.
How EMDR Works: Reprocessing Trauma Through the AIP Model
EMDR operates on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which explains how trauma can disrupt the brain’s natural ability to process experiences. Traumatic memories often become fragmented and “stuck,” leading to emotional distress, anxiety, and intrusive symptoms that can feel overwhelming and uncontrollable.
EMDR helps “unstick” these memories by providing a safe, supportive environment where the body, brain, and nervous system can reprocess them adaptively. This process reduces the emotional intensity of the memories, allowing individuals to gain insight and release the nervous system distress that was previously trapped.
A typical 'EMDR Processing Session' involves recalling a traumatic memory or other identified target while the therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation. Over time, this process helps the brain integrate the memory in a way that no longer triggers emotional or physical reactions.
Stuck Processing: Why Trauma Sometimes Feels Unresolved
Trauma can leave us feeling stuck, with unresolved memories that continue to cause distress long after the event has passed. In EMDR therapy, this is referred to as “blocked” or “stuck” processing, where the brain’s natural ability to heal and integrate experiences is disrupted.
When trauma occurs, the brain sometimes doesn’t process the event fully, leading to fragmented, incomplete memories that remain stuck in a raw, unprocessed form. These memories may retain the intense emotions, physical sensations, or negative beliefs that were present at the time of the trauma, causing them to intrude into everyday life. This is why individuals may experience flashbacks, anxiety, or other distressing symptoms that feel uncontrollable and overwhelming.
Blocked processing happens when the brain cannot move past these distressing experiences. This can happen for various reasons: the intensity of the trauma, lack of support at the time, or ongoing stress that keeps the nervous system in a heightened state. Without proper processing, these memories remain stuck, continually triggering the nervous system and causing emotional and physical symptoms.
EMDR helps unblock this processing by activating the brain’s natural healing mechanisms. Through bilateral stimulation and a structured process, EMDR enables the brain to move these memories from a “stuck” state into one that is integrated and resolved. As the memories become less intense and the emotional charge decreases, clients can gain new insights and feel more control over their reactions, reducing symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or hypervigilance.
EMDR’s Wide Reach: Beyond PTSD
While EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, it is also highly effective for other mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety Disorders: EMDR has been shown to reduce panic attacks, phobias, and general anxiety by reprocessing distressing memories linked to these conditions.
Depression: Studies show EMDR can help treat depression, especially when focused on processing negative memories or beliefs contributing to depressive symptoms.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): EMDR has shown promise in treating OCD by helping patients reprocess obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Bipolar Disorder: Early research suggests EMDR may help reduce mood swings and improve emotional regulation in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Dissociative Disorders: EMDR is considered a specialized treatment for dissociative identity disorder (DID) when delivered by trained therapists.
Substance Misuse and Addictions: EMDR has been used to address the emotional roots of addiction, helping individuals manage cravings and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Eating Disorders: Emerging evidence supports the use of EMDR to help process underlying emotional trauma in individuals with eating disorders.
EMDR and Physical Health Conditions
EMDR is also gaining recognition as an effective treatment for certain physical health conditions, particularly those with a psychological component. For example:
Cancer-Related PTSD and Distress: EMDR has been used to help cancer patients cope with the trauma of diagnosis, treatment, and the fear of recurrence. It can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, improving overall quality of life.
Chronic Pain: EMDR has shown success in treating chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, phantom limb pain, and migraines by addressing the emotional components of pain.
Tinnitus: EMDR has been effective in reducing the distress and intensity of tinnitus, particularly for individuals who have not responded to other treatments.
Postoperative Pain and Recovery: EMDR has been used to help patients manage acute postoperative pain, reducing discomfort and aiding recovery.
Why EMDR Stands Out: More Than Just Processing
EMDR therapy is much more than a tool for processing traumatic memories—it’s a comprehensive approach to healing. Well-trained EMDR professionals understand not only how to work with trauma but also how to support the nervous system using principles from Polyvagal Theory. These therapists are equipped with a wide range of tools, including Bilateral Stimulation, and adaptable protocols designed to meet your specific needs.
One of the standout features of EMDR is that many clients experience significant relief in terms of what they are targeting in just a few processing sessions, often taking less time than more traditional therapies like Talk Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The use of Bilateral Stimulation—whether through eye movements, tapping, or sounds—helps accelerate the brain’s natural healing process, making it easier to reprocess traumatic memories and reduce emotional intensity.
However, if you have a complex trauma history, you may have more targets to process, which could require additional sessions. EMDR is highly adaptable, ensuring that whether you're dealing with single-event trauma or a more complex trauma history, the process can be tailored to your specific needs.
By addressing the body’s response to distress and offering individualized care, EMDR ensures that each session is tailored to help you achieve deeper and lasting healing.
Challenges in EMDR: Blocked Processing, Looping, and Protective Parts
While EMDR is highly effective for processing trauma, certain obstacles can arise during sessions that may slow or prevent progress. These include blocked processing, looping, or protective parts not allowing the process to continue. Understanding and working through these issues is key to achieving successful outcomes in EMDR therapy.
Blocked Processing and Looping: Blocked processing occurs when the brain cannot move forward with processing a memory, leaving the individual feeling “stuck” on a specific emotional or cognitive loop. This can happen for several reasons, such as the intensity of the trauma or emotional overwhelm. Looping is another common challenge, where clients may keep returning to the same thoughts, emotions, or images without resolution, causing them to relive the trauma without moving through it.
Protective Parts and Resistance: In some cases, parts of the self, especially protective parts (often referred to in IFS or Parts Work as managers or protectors), may prevent processing because they feel the client is not ready or may be re-traumatized. These parts are trying to shield the individual from further pain but can unintentionally block healing by not allowing the trauma to be addressed fully.
What to Do: Working Through Challenges in EMDR
Within the EMDR model, there are several strategies to address blocked processing, looping, and protective parts:
Slowing Down and Resourcing: When blocked processing or looping occurs, it’s essential to slow down the process and return to resources that help the client feel grounded, safe, and supported. Resourcing can include techniques such as installing a “calm place”, building more trust, or utilizing positive memories to provide a sense of stability.
Addressing Protective Parts: A crucial step in the EMDR model is to acknowledge and work with protective parts. Rather than pushing through their protection, EMDR therapists may engage with these parts, offering reassurance and understanding to gain their permission to proceed. This might involve using Parts Work techniques (i.e. IFS, Ego States, Structural theory of Dissociation etc.) to build trust and ensure all aspects of the self feel safe and included in the healing process.
Modifying Bilateral Stimulation (BLS): Sometimes, changing the speed, intensity, or type of BLS (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) can help unblock processing, and there are adapted protocols that can often be used safely. Slowing down the BLS or switching to a different form of stimulation may help the brain continue processing more effectively.
Pendulation and Titration: These techniques involve alternating between processing traumatic material and returning to safer, neutral experiences to avoid overwhelming the client. Titration allows for small, manageable doses of trauma processing, while pendulation helps move between activation and calm states.
These strategies ensure that the EMDR process continues at a pace that feels safe and effective for the client. By addressing blocked processing and protective parts with compassion and flexibility, therapists can help clients overcome obstacles and experience deeper healing.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR is generally safe and effective for a wide range of individuals. It is especially helpful for those who want to heal from trauma without extensively revisiting painful memories. However, it’s important to work with a trained and licensed EMDR therapist who can assess your readiness for treatment.
EMDR has transformed trauma therapy and continues to show promise in treating both mental and physical health conditions. Its ability to heal emotional wounds quickly and effectively makes it a powerful tool for therapists and clients alike.
If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress, consider exploring EMDR therapy. It may offer the path to healing you’ve been searching for.
See references below.
With love, AGLOW (Aglow Counseling & Aglow Yoga)
Stacy Ruse, LPC, RYT, EMDR & IFS Consultant
Train w. me: www.aglowcounseling.com/courses
Sign up for Aglow News:
Aglow Blog: https://www.aglowcounseling.com/blog
Find us on Social Media:
AGLOW is a global hub for therapists and individuals, led by trauma expert Stacy Ruse, LPC. Offering trainings, courses, consultations, and counseling, AGLOW specializes in EMDR, IFS, Yoga, and Transpersonal therapies. With the newly added AglowYoga providing free practices, AGLOW inspires healing and growth for both therapists and individuals worldwide.
Stacy Ruse, LPC, RYT, is a respected leader in mental health, blending her expertise as an Evergreen EMDR and IFS-Institute consultant with her role as a Registered Yoga Teacher. As the founder of Aglow Counseling, Stacy integrates EMDR, IFS, and Somatic therapies with a transpersonal approach, creating a unique space for deep healing.
Her holistic philosophy honors the mind-body-spirit connection, empowering individuals to tap into their resilience and embark on transformative self-discovery. A recognized expert in trauma recovery, Stacy’s influence spans nationally and internationally as a trainer and consultant, offering trauma-informed, evidence-based care that fosters healing and personal growth.
References
Adams, R, Ohlsen, S, Wood, E (2020) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of psychosis: a systematic review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1).
Baas, MAM, van Pampus, MG, Braam, L, et al (2020) The effects of PTSD treatment during pregnancy: systematic review and case study. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1).
Baas, MAM, van Pampus, MG, Stramrood, CAI, et al (2022) Treatment of pregnant women with fear of childbirth using EMDR therapy: results of a multi-center randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12.
Böhm, KR (2019) EMDR's efficacy for obsessive compulsive disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13: 333–6.Cuijpers, P, van Veen, SC, Sijbrandij, M, et al. (2020) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for mental health problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 49: 165–80.
Carletto, S, Porcaro, C, Settanta, C, et al (2019) Neurobiological features and response to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in patients with breast cancer. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 10(1).
Chiorino, V, Cattaneo, MC, Macchi, EA, et al (2020) The EMDR recent birth trauma protocol: a pilot randomised clinical trial after traumatic childbirth. Psychology & Health, 35: 795–810.
D'Andréa, G, Giacchero, R, Roger, C, et al (2022) Evaluation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the management of tinnitus: an observational study. European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Diseases, 139: 65–71.
de Bruijn, L, Stramrood, CA, Lambregtse-van den Berg, MP, et al (2020) Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder following childbirth. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 41: 5–14.
Farrell, D, Kiernan, MD, de Jongh, A, et al (2020) Treating implicit trauma: a quasi-experimental study comparing the EMDR therapy standard protocol with a ‘Blind 2 Therapist’ version within a trauma capacity building project in Northern Iraq. International Journal of Humanitarian Action, 5(3): 1–13.
Forbes, D, Bisson, JI, Mondon, CM, et al. (2020) Effective Treatments for PTSD: Practice Guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (3rd edn). Guilford Press.
Hoogsteder, LM, ten Thije, L, Schippers, EE, et al. (2022) A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of EMDR and TF-CBT in reducing trauma symptoms and externalizing behavior problems in adolescents. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 66: 735–57.
Javinsky, TR, Udo, I, Awani, T (2022) Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: part 2 – wider use in stress and trauma conditions. BJPsych Advances, this issue [Epub ahead of print: 27 Jun 2022.
Keenan, P, Farrell, D, Keenan, L, et al. (2018) Treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) using eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: an ethno-phenomenological case series. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 22: 74–91.
Lenferink, LIM, de Keijser, J, Smid, GE, et al. (2020) Cognitive therapy and EMDR for reducing psychopathology in bereaved people after the MH17 plane crash: findings from a randomized controlled trial. Traumatology, 26: 427–37.
Lewis, C, Roberts, NP, Andrew, M, et al. (2020) Psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1).
Maxfield, L (2021) Low-intensity interventions and EMDR therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15: 86–98.
Milanak, ME, Zuromski, KL, Cero, I, et al. (2019) Traumatic event exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and sleep disturbances in a national sample of U.S. adults. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32: 14–22.
Miller, P. (2024). The evolution and future of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. BJPsych Advances, Online, 1-3.
van Denderen, M, de Keijser, J, Stewart, R, et al. (2018) Treating complicated grief and posttraumatic stress in homicidally bereaved individuals: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 25: 497–508.
Shapiro, F (2018) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols and Procedures (3rd edn). Guilford Press.
Udo, I, Javinsky, T-R, Awani, T (2022) Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: part 1 – theory, procedure and use in PTSD. BJPysch Advances, in press.
Udo, I., Javinsky, T-R., & McDaniel, C. (2023). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Part 3 – applications in physical health conditions. BJPsych Advances, Online, 1-9.
Comments