EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for PTSD, trauma-related symptoms, and distressing experiences
What Is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro and studied extensively for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During treatment, a client briefly focuses on aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating taps.
EMDR is not appropriate for every person or condition. A therapist completes an assessment, reviews treatment options, and determines whether EMDR is clinically appropriate.
Evidence and Limitations
Research supports EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Treatment response, the number of sessions needed, and outcomes vary among individuals.
EMDR does not erase memories or guarantee remission. Clients should discuss expected benefits, possible risks, alternatives, and treatment goals with their therapist.
Clinical Guideline Recognition
EMDR is included in PTSD treatment guidelines from organizations including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Recommendations vary by diagnosis, age, clinical presentation, and guideline. Inclusion in a guideline does not mean EMDR is the best treatment for every client.
How EMDR Is Conducted
EMDR involves recalling selected aspects of a distressing experience while using bilateral stimulation. The goal is to reduce distress associated with the memory and support more adaptive processing.
Clients are not required to provide a detailed verbal account of every traumatic event. Treatment can still be emotionally demanding, so preparation, stabilization, pacing, and ongoing assessment are important parts of care.
Concerns That May Be Addressed
EMDR is primarily supported for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms. Depending on clinical assessment and therapist training, it may also be considered as part of treatment for anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, distress related to medical events, and other adverse experiences.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
1. History taking and treatment planning
2. Preparation and coping resources
3. Assessment of the selected memory
4. Desensitization using bilateral stimulation
5. Installation of an adaptive belief
6. Body scan
7. Closure and stabilization
8. Reevaluation
The phases are not always completed in one session. Preparation and pacing depend on safety, stability, clinical needs, and treatment response.
EMDR Therapy for Veterans and Military Communities
SCMC is a veteran-owned practice serving veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses, and families. Treatment may address combat trauma, military sexual trauma, moral injury, grief, transition stress, anxiety, nightmares, sleep disruption, and other service-related experiences.
When clinically appropriate, EMDR may be considered after assessment and preparation. Care is available in person in Murrieta and through secure telehealth across California.
VA Community Care Network and TRICARE services depend on eligibility, referral or authorization requirements, therapist availability, and clinical appropriateness.
What to Expect and Common Questions
Do I have to describe every detail of the trauma?
No. EMDR does not require a detailed verbal account of every event, although the therapist needs enough information to assess symptoms, safety, and treatment needs.
Will EMDR begin during the first appointment?
Usually not. Early sessions commonly focus on assessment, treatment planning, education, preparation, and coping resources.
Can EMDR be provided by telehealth?
Telehealth EMDR may be available throughout California when it is clinically appropriate.
Can I pause treatment?
Yes. Clients may ask questions, pause treatment, or discuss alternative approaches at any time.
Request an Appointment
Contact our office to ask about EMDR therapist availability, scheduling, fees, insurance, and whether an initial assessment may be appropriate. Fees & Insurance information is available under Resources.
In person: Murrieta, serving Temecula Valley and Riverside County
Telehealth: Available throughout California
Phone: (951) 816-1778
Information on this page is educational and is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or guarantee of outcome. Individual results vary.