What Is EMDR?
What Is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach used to help individuals process distressing or overwhelming experiences that continue to affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, and daily functioning. EMDR is most commonly associated with trauma treatment, but it can also be used when past experiences contribute to anxiety, emotional reactivity, or difficulty feeling safe or regulated.
EMDR is not about erasing memories or reliving experiences in detail. Instead, it supports the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate experiences that were previously overwhelming or unprocessed.
How EMDR Works
EMDR therapy involves identifying specific memories, experiences, or themes that continue to create distress in the present. While focusing briefly on aspects of these experiences, bilateral stimulation is used—most commonly through guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones.
This bilateral stimulation is thought to support adaptive information processing, allowing memories to become less emotionally charged and more fully integrated. As a result, individuals are often able to think about past experiences without the same intensity of emotional or physical activation.
EMDR is conducted in a structured, phased manner, with careful attention to pacing, preparation, and emotional safety.
What EMDR Is Commonly Used For
EMDR may be used to support individuals experiencing:
Trauma related to single events or repeated experiences
Intrusive memories or distressing recollections
Anxiety that feels reactive or triggered by reminders
Strong emotional responses that feel disproportionate to the present
Difficulty feeling safe, calm, or grounded
EMDR is not limited to one type of experience. The common factor is that certain memories or experiences continue to influence present-day reactions.
EMDR and the Nervous System
EMDR is closely connected to nervous system functioning. When experiences overwhelm the nervous system, they may not be fully processed at the time they occur. These experiences can then be stored in a way that continues to trigger stress responses long after the event has passed.
By supporting adaptive processing, EMDR can help reduce nervous system reactivity and increase emotional regulation. This allows individuals to respond to present situations with greater flexibility rather than reacting based on past experiences.
What EMDR Is Not
There are some common misconceptions about EMDR. EMDR is not:
Hypnosis or mind control
A quick fix or guaranteed solution
About forcing individuals to relive trauma in detail
Appropriate for every person or every concern
Like all therapeutic approaches, EMDR is most effective when used thoughtfully and when clinically indicated.
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy typically includes:
Careful assessment and treatment planning
Preparation and skill-building to support regulation and safety
Gradual, client-paced processing of relevant experiences
Integration and reflection to support long-term change
EMDR is often used as part of a broader therapeutic approach rather than as a stand-alone intervention.
When Professional Support May Help
Professional support may be helpful if past experiences continue to affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, or daily functioning, or if reactions feel difficult to manage despite efforts to cope.
A consultation with a psychologist can help determine whether EMDR is appropriate or whether other therapeutic approaches may be a better fit.
Links to other interests:
What Is Burnout? (if stress-related experiences are present)
Core Psychology is a Calgary-based psychology practice located in Marda Loop, providing evidence-based counselling for adults, couples, families, children, and adolescents. Services are delivered by Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, and supervised practicum therapists.