EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of psychotherapy designed to help people process and heal from distressing memories, especially traumatic ones. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.

What it is (in simple terms)

EMDR helps your brain “unstick” painful memories that haven’t been fully processed. During sessions, you briefly recall distressing experiences while doing guided bilateral stimulation—most commonly side-to-side eye movements, but sometimes tapping or sounds. This seems to help the brain reprocess the memory so it feels less overwhelming and more like something in the past.

Who it’s good for

EMDR is most commonly used for:

• Trauma and PTSD (including abuse, accidents, violence)

• Anxiety and panic

• Depression linked to past experiences

• Phobias

• Grief and loss

• Performance anxiety (e.g., athletes, public speaking)

It can be especially helpful for people who:

• Feel “stuck” in certain memories or emotional reactions

• Have strong physical or emotional responses to reminders of the past

• Find it hard to talk in detail about their trauma (EMDR doesn’t rely as heavily on verbal processing as some therapies)

When it might not be ideal

EMDR may need to be adapted or delayed if someone is:

• Currently in an unsafe or highly unstable situation

• Struggling with severe dissociation without grounding skills

• Lacking coping tools to manage intense emotions

A trained therapist will usually assess readiness first.