Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help clients process and heal from distressing memories, traumatic experiences, and other emotionally overwhelming events. EMDR is based on the idea that difficult experiences can become "stuck" in the nervous system, causing ongoing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, panic, negative beliefs, or emotional distress.

During EMDR therapy, you briefly focus on a troubling memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory in a way that reduces its emotional intensity and allows new, more adaptive beliefs to develop. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require extensive discussion of the traumatic event and instead focuses on helping the brain naturally integrate and resolve unprocessed experiences.

EMDR is widely used to treat trauma and PTSD, but it has also been shown to be effective for anxiety, phobias, grief, performance concerns, and other emotional challenges. The goal of EMDR is not to erase memories, but to help you remember past experiences without experiencing the same level of emotional distress in the present.