Learn more about EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy developed by Francine Shapiro to help people recover from distressing or traumatic experiences.
As Shapiro described, “trauma can be understood as information that has not been fully processed,” which can become “stuck” and continue to trigger distress in the present.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses guided bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) while briefly focusing on difficult memories, helping the brain reprocess these experiences so they feel less overwhelming.
Shapiro noted that “the goal of EMDR is to process these experiences, allowing individuals to develop more adaptive beliefs about themselves.”
EMDR is widely used to treat trauma and PTSD, as well as anxiety and other emotional difficulties, by supporting the brain’s natural capacity to heal.