What is EMDR? How it works and who it can benefit
EMDR is an effective, evidence-based therapy designed to help you move past distressing experiences and regain a sense of calm and control.
Some experiences can get ‘stuck’ in our nervous system and cause ongoing anxiety, unease, and a range of other distressing symptoms, such as flashbacks.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured form of psychotherapy designed to help people process those traumatic or distressing experiences.
It’s a well-established approach and one of several evidence-based therapies used at Priory to help people manage the lasting effects of trauma, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
To give you a comprehensive understanding of EMDR, this guide will explain what it involves, how it works, and who it can help.
What is EMDR?
Learn about EMDR from Natalie Smith
EMDR is a structured form of therapy that helps people process distressing memories and experiences, so they no longer cause the same emotional distress.
Now recognised by organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organization (WHO), EMDR was first developed by psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Since then, it has been shown to help with a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression and phobias.
How does EMDR work?
When something traumatic or distressing happens, the brain sometimes doesn’t fully process the emotional charge associated with the memory.
The memory gets ‘stuck’ and the emotional intensity linked to the event can resurface repeatedly and for years to come, even when we’re no longer in danger. Through a series of guided steps, EMDR helps to ‘unstick’ or reprocess those memories and experiences, so they’re stored without the same emotional intensity.
The aim isn’t to erase the memory, but to reduce the distress caused by it, which allows the person to think about the event without feeling overwhelmed.
A key part of the EMDR process is the use of eye movements (or sometimes gentle sounds or tapping) also known as bilateral stimulation. Similarly to how the brain naturally processes information during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, these rhythmic, left-right stimulations help the brain integrate memories and reduce their emotional distress.
What happens during EMDR?
EMDR is a structured process carried out by a qualified and experienced therapist, who will prioritise your wellbeing when challenging emotional circumstances arise.
Remember:
- The therapist always moves at the person’s individual pace and explores memories carefully
- You remain fully awake and in control throughout
- If things get too intense, the session is stopped
- The emotional distress linked to the memory is reduced but the memory itself isn’t erased
- You won’t be asked to relive the trauma in full detail but focus on elements that feel manageable for you
- Unlike cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), it doesn’t involve challenging beliefs through reasoning or discussion
- The therapist guides and supports you every step of the way
What can EMDR help with?
While EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, it can also be used for a range of other mental health conditions and emotional difficulties.
EMDR targets how the brain stores distressing experiences and can reduce the emotional impact of both single-event trauma (such as an accident or loss) and ongoing stress (such as childhood neglect or serious medical illness).
It’s used to support people experiencing:
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and low self-worth
- Phobias and fears
- Distressing memories or flashbacks
- Grief and loss
- Performance anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Obsessive compulsive symptoms
Who is EMDR suitable for?
EMDR can be suitable for many people but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s most effective for people whose distress is linked to past experiences that still feel emotionally charged or intrusive.
It may be most helpful for people who:
- Experience trauma or PTSD symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares or avoidance
- Struggle with anxiety, intrusive thoughts or distressing memories
- Have emotional reactions that feel disproportionate to their current situation, often due to unresolved experiences
- Have found other forms of therapy less effective or too distressing
At Priory, EMDR is delivered by trained specialists across multiple UK locations. It can be used standalone, or be part of a trauma, anxiety or depression treatment programme.
Other interventions like talking therapy, wellbeing strategies or medication might also be used alongside as part of a holistic treatment programme.
During an initial assessment, a therapist will talk through your symptoms, goals and background to assess whether EMDR is the right fit for you.
Benefits of EMDR therapy
The central aim of EMDR is to help people process distressing experiences so they no longer have such a strong emotional grip on their daily life.
The benefits can include:
- Reduced flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and nightmares
- Greater sense of calm and emotional control
- Improved sleep and concentration
- Fewer physical stress responses, such as muscle tension or a racing heart
- Increased confidence and ability to face reminders of the past without fear
- Enhanced self-awareness and emotional resilience
As the brain reprocesses distressing memories, people often notice a gradual sense of relief and emotional balance.
Getting started with EMDR therapy
If you’re considering whether EMDR could be the right approach for you, the first step is to have a conversation with your GP, current therapist or a mental health provider such as Priory.
During the initial conversation, you’ll talk about your experiences, symptoms and goals, so the therapist can recommend the most suitable path forward.
Beginning therapy or starting a new approach can feel like a big step. But you don’t have to do it alone and a qualified professional will support you through the process. EMDR offers a structured, evidence-based path towards healing that can allow you to move beyond the past and feel more in control of your present.