What is EMDR and How Can It Help?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-backed therapy designed to help people recover from distressing or traumatic experiences. It works by helping the brain process difficult memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.

After a traumatic event, the brain can sometimes get stuck, leaving people feeling on edge, replaying what happened, or struggling with emotions they can’t shake. EMDR uses a technique similar to how the brain naturally processes experiences during REM sleep by guiding the eyes in specific movements while recalling distressing events, the brain can begin to reprocess the memory in a way that reduces its emotional intensity.

What Does the Research Say?

EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy supported by organizations like:

World Health Organization (WHO)

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)

Studies show that EMDR can significantly reduce distress in just a few sessions, making it one of the fastest-acting trauma therapies available. EMDR is widely used for first responders, military personnel, and people recovering from workplace incidents or accidents.

EMDR Helps workers process traumatic events without needing to talk in detail.

EMDR reduces flashbacks, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

EMDR lowers the risk of long-term trauma or PTSD and it can be effective in just a few sessions.