When can EMDR help?

EMDR can be helpful when difficult or overwhelming experiences continue to affect your emotions, thoughts, relationships, or daily life. Although EMDR is commonly associated with trauma and PTSD, therapists may also use it for other concerns. For example, EMDR may help with anxiety, grief, distressing memories, fears, and experiences that feel difficult to move past.

What Does EMDR Therapy Look Like?

EMDR therapy typically begins with getting to know your concerns and identifying experiences you may want to work on. Your therapist will also help you develop strategies to feel grounded and prepared.

During EMDR, your therapist will guide you through the process gradually, and you remain in control throughout the session. You do not have to describe every detail of a difficult experience for EMDR to be effective.

EMDR follows a structured process that helps you work through distressing memories at a manageable pace. During certain parts of EMDR, your therapist may use bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating tapping. At the same time, you briefly focus on aspects of a difficult experience.

Over time, the goal is for the memory to become less emotionally intense and less disruptive in your everyday life.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR may be worth considering if past experiences or distressing memories continue to affect how you feel or respond in the present. For example, it may be helpful if you feel stuck despite understanding what happened. EMDR may also help when certain situations continue to trigger strong emotional reactions. An EMDR-trained therapist can help determine whether this approach is appropriate for your needs and therapy goals.