EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

  • What Is EMDR Therapy?

    Developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized therapy designed to help people heal from the emotional distress and lasting impact of traumatic experiences.

    EMDR recognizes that trauma does not mean you are broken or damaged. It simply means your brain has stored an experience in a way that prevents it from being fully processed. As a result, you may feel stuck, triggered, or unable to move forward, even long after the event has passed.

    Through EMDR therapy, you can learn to reprocess these memories healthily, finding peace with the past, empowerment in the present, and hope for the future. After a successful course of EMDR therapy, you can recall distressing events without being emotionally or physically overwhelmed by them.

    Many people find EMDR helps them heal from trauma more efficiently than traditional talk therapy alone.

Who Can Provide EMDR Therapy?

Therapists offering EMDR must complete specialized, intensive training beyond their graduate education in counseling, psychology, or social work.

It’s best to seek a therapist who has completed EMDRIA-approved training—the recognized standard for EMDR competency. Some clinicians go a step further to become EMDRIA-certified, meaning they’ve completed additional hours of consultation, continuing education, and numerous EMDR sessions with clients.

At New Chapter Therapy, our EMDR-trained clinicians are committed to ongoing professional growth and trauma-informed care, ensuring you receive evidence-based, compassionate support.

Who Should Consider EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is especially effective for individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and trauma-related symptoms, such as:

  • Flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or nightmares

  • Emotional numbness or avoidance of reminders

  • Shame, fear, guilt, or anger

  • Difficulty recalling parts of the trauma

  • Heightened anxiety or hypervigilance

  • Sleep problems or concentration issues

  • Persistent negative beliefs about yourself or others

What Does the Research Say?

Since its development, EMDR has been recognized as one of the most effective treatments for trauma. Research consistently shows that EMDR can help people recover more quickly than some conventional therapies.

For example, one meta-analysis found that 70% of randomized controlled EMDR studies showed greater effectiveness than cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for trauma. Studies with children and adolescents also demonstrate EMDR’s powerful results in reducing PTSD symptoms.

What Happens in an EMDR Session?

EMDR therapy is a structured, eight-phase process that helps you process painful memories, reduce distress, and strengthen your sense of safety and resilience. You and your therapist will move through these phases together at a pace that feels right for you.

Phase 1: History & Treatment Planning

You and your therapist identify the memories, triggers, or current challenges to address in therapy.

Phase 2: Preparation

You’ll learn and practice grounding and self-soothing techniques to manage emotional distress during and between sessions.

Phase 3: Assessment

Your therapist will help you access target memories, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations connected to your trauma.

Phases 4–7: Processing

Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or tones), your therapist guides you in reprocessing traumatic material. Over time, the emotional intensity of these memories decreases, allowing for new, more adaptive beliefs to take hold.

Phase 8: Closure & Evaluation

You and your therapist reflect on your progress and determine next steps, ensuring you leave each session grounded and supported.

How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take?

The duration of EMDR therapy depends on your goals, history, and level of readiness. Some clients begin processing trauma after just a few sessions, while others may spend several months preparing and building safety before beginning deeper work.

Although EMDR often accelerates trauma recovery compared to traditional talk therapy, it’s not a quick fix. Healing takes time, care, and consistency.

EMDR Intensives

For clients seeking focused, short-term trauma work, EMDR Intensives offer extended sessions (typically five hours over two to three days). Intensives are ideal for individuals who:

  • Have already participated in therapy or have a strong support system

  • Experienced a recent or single-incident trauma

  • Can dedicate uninterrupted time to the healing process

What Else Can EMDR Help With?

In addition to trauma and PTSD, EMDR can be effective for:

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Phobias

  • Grief and complicated grief

  • Stress and burnout

  • Disturbing or intrusive memories

  • Low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy

Learn More About EMDR

EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based treatment recognized by organizations, including:

To learn more about EMDR therapy and how it can help you move forward, visit the
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

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Ready to begin your journey toward healing and growth? Whether you’re seeking clarity, relief from anxiety, or simply a space to reconnect with yourself, therapy can help you move forward with purpose. At New Chapter Therapy, we’ll work together to create meaningful change—one step at a time. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward your next chapter.

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