What is EMDR and How Does It Work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy has gained significant attention in recent years. Many clients contact me specifically requesting this treatment—perhaps recommended by someone who experienced its benefits, suggested by a healthcare professional, or pursued after other therapies didn't yield desired results. Yet when I ask what they know about EMDR or why they believe it's right for them, many struggle to articulate their understanding. This piece aims to demystify EMDR and help you determine if it might be beneficial for you.
The Remarkable Origin of EMDR
EMDR was discovered quite serendipitously in 1987 by Dr Francine Shapiro, an American clinical psychologist. During a walk in the park, she noticed that disturbing thoughts she was experiencing suddenly diminished after her eyes spontaneously moved rapidly from side to side. Intrigued, she began experimenting with deliberate eye movements and found they could reduce distress associated with traumatic memories.
This chance observation evolved into a structured therapeutic approach. After initial testing with trauma survivors, Dr Shapiro published her findings in 1989, and EMDR has since developed into a widely recognised evidence-based therapy. Originally focused on PTSD, it's now successfully applied to various anxiety and mood disorders.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR addresses the root of issues by helping your brain process traumatic memories more adaptively, using structured neurological and physiological methods that support your brain's natural healing abilities.
How EMDR Works: The Science of Healing
EMDR works by engaging both brain hemispheres simultaneously through bilateral stimulation. Our brain processes information differently across its halves—the left side handles logical, analytical information, while the right manages emotional and intuitive experiences. Both contribute to forming all types of memories, whether ordinary or traumatic.
Traumatic memories can become 'stuck,' preventing normal processing. Our early and past experiences shape how we perceive ourselves, how we feel, and how we react in the present. Traumatic memories often remain isolated, emotionally charged, and disconnected from our broader understanding.
Bilateral stimulation—through eye movements, tapping, or sounds—creates a gentle, rhythmic process that helps your brain naturally reorganise and make sense of difficult memories by:
· Taking the sting out of painful memories so they don't feel as overwhelming
· Connecting scattered pieces of difficult memories into a complete picture
· Helping your brain make better sense of tough experiences
· Making disturbing sights, sounds, and feelings from the past less intense and easier to handle
EMDR is different to traditional talking therapy because it focuses on the brain’s information processing system rather than extended discussions about the trauma.
The EMDR Experience: What My Clients Say
When clients begin EMDR therapy, they typically describe feeling intense emotions and physical sensations as they recall difficult memories. This is natural, especially when we've been avoiding anything associated with painful experiences.
As treatment progresses over several sessions, a remarkable transformation occurs. Clients consistently report:
"I feel physically lighter, as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders."
"The memory is still there, but it doesn't have a grip on me anymore."
"I can think about what happened without feeling overwhelmed—it's just a part of my story now."
I often describe this process to clients using a jigsaw puzzle metaphor. The original difficult memory is like scattered puzzle pieces, with some hidden from view. EMDR brings together all the pieces—both positive and negative—together to form a complete picture.
Through processing, the memory loses its vividness and emotional grip. It doesn't disappear, but it no longer holds the same power. What was once a traumatic memory that controlled aspects of your life becomes simply a memory—acknowledged but no longer controlling.
For a visual overview of EMDR therapy, I recommend watching this accessible short video from the National Center for PTSD (US Department of Veterans Affairs). It provides a helpful animated demonstration of eye movements for bilateral stimulation and examples of questions you might encounter during EMDR therapy. While they specifically reference PTSD, EMDR can effectively address a variety of psychological difficulties.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you are struggling with traumatic memories, anxiety, or emotional difficulties EMDR may be a good therapeutic choice for you. Whilst it has helped countless individuals reclaim their lives and is a powerful therapeutic approach, every person is different and there are individual considerations when starting any therapeutic treatment. If you’d like to find out if it would be a useful approach for you feel free to reach out for an initial consultation.
