Some memories stay with us long after an experience has ended. You may understand intellectually that something happened in the past, yet your body and emotions can still react as if the experience is happening now.
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy approach often used when traumatic or distressing experiences continue to affect a person’s life.
Doran offers EMDR as part of its trauma-informed mental health services in New York City, with both in-person and telehealth options. The practice’s clinical director is EMDR-certified, and its providers have training in trauma-focused approaches.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured form of therapy that helps people process distressing memories and the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations connected to them.
One of the best-known parts of EMDR involves guided eye movements or another form of bilateral stimulation while the person focuses on aspects of a difficult memory.
The goal is not simply to talk about the past. Instead, EMDR helps people work with how a memory is currently stored and experienced.
What Happens During EMDR?
EMDR is commonly delivered through multiple phases rather than as one simple exercise. Treatment typically begins with understanding the person’s history, current concerns, and treatment goals.
The therapist may help identify specific memories, negative beliefs, emotions, images, and body sensations associated with those experiences.
During later phases, the therapist guides the person through bilateral stimulation while they focus on selected aspects of the memory. Positive beliefs and healthier ways of viewing themselves may also become part of the process.
The exact experience varies from person to person.
Does EMDR Require Talking About Every Detail?
One reason people are interested in EMDR is that treatment does not necessarily require them to describe every detail of a traumatic experience.
The focus can instead be on the person’s internal experience and the thoughts, feelings, sensations, and beliefs associated with the memory.
That does not mean EMDR is effortless or that difficult emotions will never arise. Processing painful experiences can be challenging, which is why working with a properly trained professional is important.
What Can EMDR Help With?
Doran’s EMDR service page describes its use for trauma and PTSD as well as concerns including anxiety, panic, phobias, depression, OCD, and other trauma-related symptoms.
People may seek EMDR when they experience symptoms such as:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Persistent fear
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Emotional distress
- Avoidance
- Difficulty sleeping
- Distressing memories
Whether EMDR is appropriate depends on the individual and should be determined through an evaluation.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
There is no universal EMDR experience. Some people notice strong emotions or physical sensations during processing. Others may experience memories differently as treatment continues.
A trained therapist helps maintain emotional safety throughout the process. Treatment may take several sessions, and the length can vary depending on the complexity of the person’s concerns.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If a past experience continues to influence your emotions, relationships, confidence, or daily life, EMDR may be one approach worth discussing with a mental health professional.
Doran takes a personalized approach, considering each person’s history and goals before determining an appropriate treatment plan.
You do not have to simply accept that painful memories will always control how you feel. With the right support, therapy can help you understand your experiences and develop a healthier relationship with your past.