EMDR

THERAPIST DETAILS POWERFUL TOOL FOR HEALING TRAUMA

By Kerry Firth | Published December 5, 2014

Have you ever gotten really angry at something small and later wondered why? Or felt anxious for no apparent reason? Maybe you've had a panic attack out of nowhere. These reactions could be linked to traumatic memories stored in your brain that are easily triggered by everyday events.

A psychotherapy method called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) may help people experiencing these emotional disturbances, and it can also be beneficial in the context of couples therapy and relationship counseling.

What is EMDR?

The theory behind EMDR is that traumatic experiences can get “stuck” in the brain, continuing to cause distress long after the event. These stuck memories may lead to symptoms like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which can impact personal growth and relationships.

EMDR helps patients reprocess these memories so they become less distressing. It uses bilateral stimulation—often eye movements—while the patient focuses on the traumatic memory. This helps the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional charge, and can be particularly useful in a marriage when addressing past traumas together.

Origins and Effectiveness

EMDR was founded in 1987 by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, who noticed that moving her eyes back and forth reduced her own disturbing thoughts. She studied the phenomenon and found it could help others with trauma-related issues, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and OCD.

During a session, patients recall a disturbing event while focusing on an external stimulus like side-to-side eye movements or hand tapping. This dual attention process helps rewire how the brain processes memories, which can be essential for couples seeking to improve their communication and emotional connection.

A study in The Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease found that 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD after just six EMDR sessions, compared to only 20% who received standard care. This shows EMDR’s effectiveness in treating trauma quickly, without medication or lengthy talk therapy, making it an attractive option for those seeking personal growth.

Professional Endorsements

Dr. Shapiro’s method is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization, and Department of Veterans Affairs, among others. It’s one of the most well-researched therapies available today, and it complements traditional methods, including marriage counseling.

Why EMDR Works

“EMDR is like REM sleep on steroids,” said registered sleep therapist Dr. Susan Smith, explaining how rapid eye movement during dreams helps us subconsciously process emotions—similar to EMDR, but faster and in a controlled clinical setting.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can take months or years, EMDR often produces noticeable changes within a few sessions—even a single session—depending on the trauma and treatment plan. This rapid effectiveness can be particularly beneficial for couples looking to resolve issues and enhance their personal growth together.

A Brighter Future

According to Dr. Michael DeMarco, author of The Role of Bilateral Stimulation in Psychotherapy, EMDR offers a cutting-edge approach to helping individuals overcome past traumas and lead happier, healthier lives. This therapy empowers people to move forward into brighter futures filled with hope, promise, and potential—creating a better world for themselves and others.