What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy approach that helps individuals heal from emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences. It's based on the idea that the mind can heal from psychological trauma in a similar way to how the body heals from physical trauma. EMDR therapy involves focusing on a traumatic or disturbing memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, hand taps, or auditory tones. This process is believed to help the brain reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional impact.
Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy has a substantial research base, with numerous studies supporting its effectiveness, particularly for trauma-related conditions. More than 30 positive controlled outcome studies have been conducted on EMDR therapy, demonstrating its efficacy in treating a variety of mental health conditions to include grief and loss.
Since 2016 over 7 million individuals have been successfully treated with EMDR is recognized world wide as a number one treatment for trauma. EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing model, which suggests that traumatic or disturbing memories can become stuck in the brain and continue to cause distress. EMDR aims to help the brain process these memories so they no longer trigger negative emotions or reactions.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy demonstrates high success rates, with studies showing significant symptom relief for many individuals, particularly those with PTSD. Specifically, research indicates that 77% to 90% of people with PTSD experience major symptom relief, and a significant portion no longer meet the criteria for PTSD after completing EMDR therapy.
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Several celebrities have publicly discussed using EMDR therapy to address trauma and mental health challenges. Notable examples include Prince Harry, Sandra Bullock, Gwyneth Paltrow, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Tina Turner, Adele, Lady Gaga, Whitney Cummings, Justin Bieber, David Beckham, Paris Jackson, Jameela Jamil and others. These celebrity stories help to normalize the conversations around therapy and illustrate the effectiveness of EMDR in addressing various mental health challenges. ​​​​
Find Trusted EMDR Therapists at The PATH Center
Unfortunately, Three hour online EMDR introductory courses are available. We have learned from our clients, many clinicians are practicing EMDR without proper training. At The PATH Center, our clinicians complete 40 hours of EMDR training and then receive an additional 10 hours of consultation with one of our TWO EMDR Consultants at the PATH Center, to complete their training. Our EMDR Consultants offer on-going consultation with PATH clinicians several times a month, and at a moment's notice .
Additionally, PATH clinicians utilize Lifespan integration (LI) in the preparation stage of EMDR. LI builds self-compassion and self-empathy making the EMDR protcol MUCH easier.
Our skilled therapists create a safe, supportive environment to help you process and move beyond distressing memories. With a personalized approach tailored to your unique needs, we aim to reduce the emotional impact of trauma and promote overall well-being. We foster healing and resilience, empowering you to reclaim peace and move forward with confidence. Discover the transformative potential of EMDR therapy with our experienced professionals by your side.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
In an EMDR session, you can expect a supportive, structured environment to facilitate healing.. The therapist will begin by discussing your history, identifying specific traumatic memories, and establishing a sense of safety. During the session, you'll be guided through a series of bilateral stimulations—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—while recalling a distressing memory. This process helps reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional impact and allowing for healthier beliefs to form. Each session is paced according to your comfort level, ensuring you feel supported throughout your therapeutic journey.