EMDR Therapy:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a type of therapy that helps the brain heal from stressful or painful experiences. EMDR does not use medication or hypnosis.

How does EMDR help with trauma?

When something overwhelming happens, the brain may not fully process it. The memory can stay “stuck” with strong emotions, body feelings, or beliefs. EMDR helps the brain finish processing the memory so it feels less upsetting and more like something from the past.

This can be especially helpful for first responders, such as military members, veterans, police officers, paramedics, and firefighters, who are often exposed to repeated high-stress or traumatic events. EMDR can help reduce reactions linked to duty-related experiences, even if those events happened long ago.

What happens during an EMDR session?

You will work with your therapist to briefly focus on a memory while doing gentle back-and-forth movements, such as following fingers with your eyes or tapping. The therapist checks in often and helps guide the process at a pace that feels safe.

What kinds of concerns can EMDR help with?

EMDR is often used for:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Anxiety or panic

  • Strong emotional reactions

  • Disturbing memories

  • Negative beliefs like “I’m not safe” or “I’m not good enough”

It can also help with physical sensations in the body linked to stress.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

Everyone is different. Some people notice changes in a few sessions, while others need more time, especially if there are many past experiences to work through. Your therapist will help plan what feels right for you.

Will EMDR make me feel overwhelmed?

Strong feelings can come up, but EMDR is designed to be done safely. Before processing begins, your therapist helps you learn calming and grounding skills. You can pause, slow down, or stop at any time.

What might I notice after a session?
What kinds of concerns can ART help with?

After EMDR, you might feel tired, emotional, or thoughtful. You may notice new insights, dreams, or memories. This is a normal part of the brain continuing to process and usually settles within a few days.

Is EMDR supported by research?

Yes. EMDR has been widely studied and is recognized as an evidence-based trauma treatment. Research shows it can reduce distress from traumatic memories and improve emotional well-being. EMDR is used around the world in mental health, medical, and veteran care settings.

How are EMDR and ART the same, and how are they different?

EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) are both trauma therapies that help the brain process painful memories so they feel less upsetting. Both use eye movements or other gentle stimulation and focus on safety and client control.

The main difference is how memories are worked with. EMDR often allows the mind to move freely from one thought or feeling to another. ART is more structured and often uses guided imagery to help replace distressing images with calmer ones. Your therapist can help you decide which approach may be the best fit.

At our clinic we typically find it most helpful to integrate talk therapy with ART or EMDR. You and your therapist will discuss a plan on how various treatment strategies could be useful depending on your unique goals.