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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

mental_health · medium · 1.5-2 hours/week for 6-12 weeks

What is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)?

Trauma-focused therapy using bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) while recalling distressing memories to facilitate reprocessing. First-line treatment for PTSD with an effect size of 1.14, comparable to trauma-focused CBT.

Is there evidence for it?

EVIDENCEstrong

How do you do EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)?

  1. 1.Find a certified EMDR therapist (EMDRIA-certified) — this is not a self-administered technique
  2. 2.Expect 6-12 sessions, each 60-90 minutes; initial sessions focus on stabilization and history-taking
  3. 3.During processing sessions, follow the therapist's moving finger (or tapping/tones) while recalling the target memory
  4. 4.Allow processing to continue between sessions — vivid dreams and emotional shifts are normal
  5. 5.The goal is to reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories, not to forget them

How long does it take?

1.5-2 hours/week for 6-12 weeks.

Is it hard to start?

medium.

Source: Francine Shapiro (developer, 1987); WHO, APA, VA all recognize as evidence-based for PTSD; meta-analysis effect size 1.14
trauma · ptsd · therapy · bilateral-stimulation · reprocessing
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