Glossary
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an eight-phase trauma therapy that uses bilateral stimulation — eye movements, taps, or alternating tones — while the client briefly attends to a traumatic memory. The protocol allows the brain to reprocess stuck memories so they no longer trigger present-day distress. EMDR is endorsed by the WHO, APA, and VA for PTSD.
EMDR was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. Treatment averages 6 to 12 sessions for single-incident trauma and longer for complex trauma. Unlike traditional exposure therapy, EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of the event, which makes it accessible for clients who find narrative exposure overwhelming.
Source: EMDR International Association