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EMDR is a structured therapy that supports the client in processing experiences in their life (past, present, future fears) the contributes to emotional distress and results in impacting present moment functioning. The therapy process involves briefly focusing on a trauma memory or activating experience while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (the use of eye movements and other forms of rhythmic left-right (bilateral) stimulation (e.g., tones or taps), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memory or fear inducing event. EMDR is based on a model that disturbing experiences cause distress in our mind and body because the experience is not adequately processed. These unprocessed experiences are understood to contain the emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and physical sensations and are held in the mind/body. When we are triggered, these stored disturbing elements are experienced in the present moment and cause the symptoms to resurface. EMDR therapy focuses directly on the experience and is intended to change the way that the it is stored in the brain, thus reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms.
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