Article: EMDR: How It Works, Who It Helps, and What to Expect
By Twyla Cherie Terry-McCarrell, MA, LPC, Certified Brainspotting Therapist, EMDR-tr
Post Date: 10/04/2025
Introduction
EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—has become one of the leading evidence-based treatments for trauma. Its capacity to help reprocess difficult memories without overwhelming retraumatization makes it a powerful tool in trauma-informed therapy. In this article, I’ll walk you through how EMDR works, the science behind it, what a session feels like, and how you can identify a properly trained practitioner.
What Is EMDR?
Definition & Origins EMDR was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Its core premise is that traumatic or distressing memories can remain “stuck” or unprocessed in neural networks, causing emotional and somatic disturbance. PMC+3Psych Central+3EMDR International Association+3
How It Works (Theory & Mechanism) While the precise mechanism is still under investigation, EMDR posits that combining dual attention stimulation (typically eye movements, but sometimes tapping or audio) with focused attention on the memory helps the brain integrate and reprocess it adaptively. PMC+3Journal of Neurology+3Frontiers+3 Some research suggests that EMDR may facilitate reconsolidation of memory, reduce emotional charge, create new associations, and link the memory with more adaptive beliefs and neural networks. Frontiers+2Journal of Neurology+2
Phases of EMDR The standard EMDR protocol has 8 phases:
History & treatment planning
Preparation / resource building
Assessment (identifying target, negative cognition, positive cognition)
Desensitization (bilateral stimulation while holding the memory)
Installation (strengthening a positive cognition)
Body scan
Closure
Reevaluation in a subsequent session PMC+3Journal of Neurology+3EMDR Institute+3
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
Here’s a general flow (your therapist’s style may vary; 90 mins sessions are preferred; all phases may not fit into the time available in a single session):
Intake & Preparation We assess your history, current triggers, coping skills, and identify safe resources.
Target Identification & Assessment You identify a memory or issue to work on. We locate a “target” moment (worst image, emotions, body sensations) and identify negative vs. desired positive beliefs.
Desensitization (Processing) With bilateral stimulation (eye movement, taps, or audio), you hold your attention on the memory, noticing what arises (images, sensations, thoughts). We proceed in “sets,” with rests in between.
Installation Once the distress decreases, we shift to installing a positive cognition (e.g. “I am safe,” “I am worthy”) while maintaining bilateral stimulation.
Body Scan We check for any residual somatic tension; if any remains, further processing may occur.
Closure We stabilize and ensure you are grounded before concluding.
Reevaluation Next Session We revisit the memory and your reaction in subsequent sessions to ensure changes hold and identify next targets.
Many clients describe the experience as gradual shifts—less intense than re-traumatization—but somatic, emotional, or visual fragments may arise.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR has been studied most robustly in PTSD and trauma conditions, but is also applied more broadly:
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — strongest evidence base PMC+3PTSD.va+3PMC+3
Anxiety, panic, phobias Journal of Neurology+3NIP Treatment Center+3EMDR International Association+3
Depression (as an adjunct) PMC+1
Grief, loss, bereavement PMC+1
Performance anxiety, blockages, self-esteem issues Vancouver EMDR Therapy, PLLC+1
Chronic pain or somatic symptoms (in some cases) PMC+2EMDR Institute+2
It’s important to note that EMDR is generally not intended as a stand-alone solution for active psychosis or severe instability without adequate stabilization work.
What the Research Says
Over 24 randomized controlled trials support EMDR’s positive effects on processing traumatic memories and reducing symptoms. PMC+2EMDR Institute+2
EMDR is regularly compared favorably to trauma-focused CBT and is included in many clinical guidelines for PTSD. EMDR Institute+4EMDR Institute+4Cleveland Clinic+4
A recent review found EMDR to be highly effective at reducing PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms, with results maintained at 6-month follow-ups. Wiley Online Library
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses support its use, but also note the need for further high-quality trials to examine mechanisms, moderators, and long-term outcomes. Frontiers+3Frontiers+3PMC+3
Practitioner Credentials & Certification
EMDR Certification & Training Training is often done in Basic EMDR training, followed by consultation hours and advanced training (such as certification with EMDRIA). emdrtherapy.com+2EMDR Institute+2
EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) is one of the major standard organizations in the U.S. that offers membership, maintains training standards, and provides a directory of EMDR practitioners. EMDR Institute+2emdrtherapy.com+2
Directory / Verification Many therapists who are fully certified with EMDRIA or equivalent bodies are listed in EMDR directories. Clients can ask for the therapist’s listing or proof of certification. EMDR Institute+2EMDR International Association+2
The author of this post, Twyla Terry-McCarrell, is EMDR-tr.