EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy designed to help people heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic memories and disturbing life experiences. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 and is primarily used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is also effective for other conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and addictions
. The therapy involves the patient briefly focusing on a traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, most commonly side- to-side eye movements, but sometimes also hand tapping or auditory stimuli. This process is thought to help the brain "unstick" and properly reprocess the traumatic memory, reducing its vividness and emotional impact
. EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories can become "stuck" in the brain, causing ongoing psychological distress. By facilitating the processing of these memories, EMDR helps relieve emotional pain, reformulate negative beliefs, and reduce physiological arousal associated with trauma. The therapy activates the brain’s natural healing processes, similar to how the body heals physical wounds
. Research shows that EMDR can be highly effective: studies report that a large percentage of single-trauma victims no longer meet criteria for PTSD after just a few sessions. It is recognized as an effective treatment by major organizations including the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization, and the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense
. In summary, EMDR is a well-researched psychotherapeutic approach that uses bilateral stimulation (often eye movements) to help people process and recover from traumatic memories and related psychological distress, enabling emotional healing and improved mental health
