EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories. It involves focusing on distressing memories while experiencing bilateral stimulation, typically through eye movements. EMDR aims to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic experiences, promoting healing and adaptive coping strategies for various mental health issues, including PTSD.
Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has become a widely recognized treatment for trauma and other distressing life experiences. At Crown Counseling, our EMDR therapists are EMDRIA-trained and stay current with the latest research and techniques.
How EMDR works
How EMDR Reprocesses a Stuck Memory
Bilateral stimulation helps the brain finish what it couldn't at the time of the event.
The memory was stored with raw emotion, body sensations, and beliefs intact: frozen, easily triggered.
Eye movements, taps, or tones activate both brain hemispheres while you briefly hold the memory in mind.
The memory is integrated as an event that happened. You remember it, but it no longer hijacks the present.
Bilateral stimulation, visualized
The 8-Phase EMDR Protocol
A structured roadmap. We don't skip phases, and preparation always comes before reprocessing.
- 1
History
Treatment planning
- 2
Preparation
Stabilization & resourcing
- 3
Assessment
Target memory selected
- 4
Desensitization
Bilateral stimulation
- 5
Installation
Strengthen positive belief
- 6
Body Scan
Clear residual tension
- 7
Closure
Return to baseline
- 8
Re-evaluation
Check & next target
What to expect
EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach: history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation of positive beliefs, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. During bilateral stimulation, you focus on the memory while following the therapist’s fingers moving back and forth across your field of vision; hand taps or auditory tones may also be used. Some clients experience positive results after just three sessions, while others may require several.
Ready to start?
Tell us a little about yourself and we will match you with a clinician trained in EMDR.
Get matched →
