Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is therapeutic modality that has benefited me personally as a client, and that I have enjoyed great success with as a practitioner. In terms of big postive changes in a short period of time, it is the best modality I have used, and I find it applicable to a wide variety of situations and mental health diagnoses.

EMDR is a structured psychotherapy approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories and adverse life experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR integrates cognitive and somatic elements and is widely recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as other diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, phobias, substance use disorder, ADHD, and OCD.

The core principle of EMDR is that trauma and other distressing experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process memories, leaving them "frozen" in their original form. These unprocessed memories may cause intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, heightened emotional responses, and other symptoms. EMDR aims to help individuals “unfreeze” and reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional intensity and enabling healthier responses.

EMDR is unique in its use of bilateral stimulation, which may help facilitate the brain’s natural processing of trauma. Though the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, research suggests it may mimic the neurological processes of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Bilateral stimulation was originally conducted by the therapist moving their finger back and forth in front of of the client and having the client follow by moving their eyes back and forth, but has since been expanded to include moving light bars and similar devices, as well gentle alternating hand buzzers, audio software that creates clicks in alternating ears via headphones, client self-tapping on alternating shoulders/elbows/legs, or even clients tapping alternating feet. Given the wide variety of bilateral stimulation methods, EMDR can be done effectively both in-person and via telemedicine.

Numerous studies have demonstrated EMDR’s efficacy. It is endorsed by major organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA). EMDR offers a non-invasive and effective path to healing for individuals grappling with unresolved trauma, and I have used it with many clients from Oakland, the greater East Bay, and beyond. Please reach out if you would like to learn more.