What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a structured psychotherapy developed to help people process distressing experiences. Its strongest research support is for post-traumatic stress disorder.
During parts of EMDR, you may briefly attend to aspects of a memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or alternating taps—then notice what emerges. You remain awake, aware, and in control. EMDR is not hypnosis, and you do not have to describe every detail aloud.
- EMDR Certified Therapist
- Structured eight-phase model
- Informed consent throughout
Introduction to EMDR therapy
This is the same overview featured on the original KW Counseling site, produced by the EMDR International Association.
The eight-phase framework
History & planning
We understand your concerns, context, resources, readiness, and goals, then identify possible treatment targets.
Preparation
You learn what to expect and develop ways to stay oriented, communicate limits, and return attention to the present.
Assessment
We identify a target image or experience, related beliefs, emotions, body sensations, and current distress.
Desensitization
With bilateral stimulation, you notice associations and shifts while the therapist monitors pacing and present-moment safety.
Installation
Attention turns toward strengthening a more adaptive belief connected with the processed experience.
Body scan
You notice whether physical activation remains and address what still needs attention.
Closure
Every session ends with attention to stability, orientation, and a plan for observations or care between sessions.
Reevaluation
At the next session, we review what changed, what remains, and whether the treatment plan should be adjusted.
What might EMDR address?
Trauma & PTSD
EMDR is recommended in major clinical guidelines as one of several trauma-focused psychotherapies for PTSD. Treatment still begins with assessment, differential diagnosis, and a conversation about options.
Anxiety, panic & phobias
Clinicians sometimes incorporate EMDR when distress is linked with specific experiences, feared situations, or panic. Evidence and appropriateness vary by condition.
Grief, depression & recovery
EMDR may be one part of care for distressing losses, depression, substance-use concerns, eating disorders, or pain when memories and triggers are clinically relevant. It is not a universal treatment for these concerns.
Pacing matters
Trauma processing should not be rushed. Some people spend significant time strengthening present-day safety, coping skills, support, and their ability to stay within a manageable range of activation. Others may need a different treatment, a higher level of care, medical coordination, or greater stability before reprocessing. We discuss benefits, limitations, alternatives, and consent throughout.
What the evidence does—and does not—say
EMDR has substantial support for PTSD and is included among recommended trauma-focused psychotherapies by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. That does not mean it is the only effective PTSD treatment, that it works for everyone, or that every use of EMDR has the same evidence base. Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure are among the other established options.
Independent sources
Wondering whether EMDR fits?
We can discuss what you want help with, your prior treatment experience, and whether EMDR or another approach makes the most sense now.
Book a session