What is EMDR and How Does It Work?

Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a highly effective, safe, and cost-effective method for people whom are looking for healing from a psychological trauma in their past. Considered by many to be a cutting-edge approach to treating mental health, EMDR is quickly revolutionizing how therapy is done.

Table of Contents

(click on a question below to be directed quickly)

• What does EMDR Stand for?
• What exactly is EMDR?
• What is EMDR used for?
• How does EMDR work?
• What does EMDR feel like?
• Is EMDR an effective treatment?
• What are the 8 stages of EMDR?
• What can EMDR be used to treat?
• Are there dangers of EMDR?
• Where can I find EMDR therapists?
• References

What does EMDR stand for?

EMDR stands for Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

This treatment technique has this name because when EMDR was first developed, a primary tenant of EMDR involved having a person move their eyes back and forth while visualizing events in their past.

Since then, various other techniques that do not involve direct eye movement have been developed to garner the same effect and results. So, EMDR is a bit of a misnomer today as it implies eye movement is a required part.