What is EMDR Therapy?
Alex Penrod, MS, LPC, LCDC — Founder & EMDR Therapist | Neuro Nuance Therapy and EMDR, PLLC | Austin, TX
EMDR Therapy: Quick Facts
- Type: Evidence-based psychotherapy treatment for trauma-related distress.
- Primary use: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related conditions.
- Core method: Memory reprocessing supported by bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements).
- Structure: Standardized eight-phase, protocol-based approach.
- Delivery: Provided by licensed mental health professionals with specialized training.
- Session format: Individual psychotherapy; pacing varies by treatment phase and clinical needs.
- Evidence status: Included in major clinical practice guidelines worldwide.
- Local context: Commonly offered by trauma-informed clinicians in Austin, Texas.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach commonly used by licensed mental health professionals to treat trauma-related mental health conditions. EMDR therapy is recognized by major professional and international health organizations as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is widely used in clinical practice to address distress linked to traumatic memories and adverse life experiences.
If you’re looking for EMDR therapy in Austin, TX (or telehealth anywhere in Texas), this comprehensive guide explains what EMDR is, how EMDR works, and what to expect so you can decide whether it’s a good fit.
Table of Contents
Overview of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured psychotherapy treatment designed to help individuals process traumatic memories that continue to cause emotional distress or psychological symptoms. EMDR therapy differs from traditional talk therapy in that it emphasizes memory reprocessing rather than extended verbal analysis.
EMDR therapy is most closely associated with trauma treatment and the treatment of PTSD, though it may also be used in other mental health conditions when distressing past events continue to influence present-day functioning.
EMDR therapy is classified as a psychotherapy treatment rather than a standalone technique because it involves comprehensive assessment, preparation, treatment planning, and ongoing clinical judgment across multiple phases of care. The EMDR protocol is applied within a therapeutic relationship and adapted based on individual history, stability, and treatment goals, rather than being used as a one-size-fits-all intervention.
History and Development of EMDR Therapy (Dr. Francine Shapiro)
EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro. Early observations suggested that rapid eye movement and other forms of bilateral stimulation could reduce the emotional charge associated with disturbing memories.
These observations were refined into a standardized reprocessing therapy grounded in a formal theoretical framework. Over time, EMDR therapy became an established psychotherapy approach supported by clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews, and it is now used internationally in professional mental health settings.
How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR therapy works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories that remain linked to emotional distress, negative beliefs, and physiological responses long after a traumatic event has passed. During EMDR therapy, attention is intentionally directed toward aspects of a target memory while bilateral stimulation is introduced to support adaptive processing.
This dual focus, maintaining awareness of internal experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation, is thought to help the brain access and reorganize memory networks associated with past experiences. As reprocessing occurs, the emotional intensity, physical sensations, and negative thoughts connected to traumatic memories often decrease, allowing new and more adaptive associations to emerge.
Unlike exposure therapy or purely cognitive approaches, EMDR therapy does not rely on repeated verbal recounting or cognitive restructuring alone. Clients remain fully awake and oriented during EMDR sessions, and the therapist actively monitors pacing, emotional regulation, and readiness throughout the process.
The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
The theoretical foundation of EMDR therapy is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. According to this model, psychological trauma occurs when experiences overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process information, leaving traumatic memories stored in a dysfunctional form.
These trauma memories may remain linked to intense emotions, physical sensations, and negative beliefs long after the original traumatic event has passed. EMDR therapy facilitates reprocessing within the memory network so that past experiences can be integrated adaptively, reducing emotional distress and allowing new, more adaptive associations to emerge.
Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy follows a standardized, eight-phase protocol designed to ensure safety, structure, and effective treatment delivery.
History-Taking and Treatment Planning
The therapist gathers clinical history, identifies treatment goals, and selects target memories for reprocessing.
Preparation
Clients learn stabilization strategies and develop resources to manage emotional distress.
Assessment
Specific memories, negative beliefs, positive beliefs, and body sensations are identified.
Desensitization Phase
Bilateral stimulation is used to reduce emotional intensity associated with traumatic memories.
Installation
Positive beliefs are strengthened and linked to the reprocessed memory.
Body Scan
Residual physical sensations related to the memory are identified and resolved.
Closure
Each EMDR session ends with stabilization and grounding.
Reevaluation
Progress is reviewed and future treatment planning is adjusted.
The eight-phase structure of EMDR therapy is designed to prioritize safety, stabilization, and readiness before memory reprocessing occurs. This phased approach helps ensure that clients have sufficient internal resources and support before engaging in trauma-focused work, distinguishing EMDR therapy from exposure-only treatments that may focus primarily on symptom reduction without equivalent emphasis on preparation and integration.
What Happens During EMDR Sessions
EMDR sessions are structured yet flexible and are guided by the clinician’s ongoing assessment of readiness, stability, and treatment goals. Early EMDR sessions often focus on preparation, skill development, and treatment planning rather than immediate memory reprocessing.
When reprocessing begins, sessions typically involve identifying a target memory and briefly attending to associated images, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations while bilateral stimulation is applied. The therapist provides guidance throughout the session, helping the client notice changes in emotional intensity or perspective without directing the content of the experience.
Not every EMDR session involves active reprocessing. Depending on clinical needs, sessions may emphasize stabilization, integration of previous work, or reassessment of treatment goals. This flexibility allows EMDR therapy to be adapted to a wide range of clinical presentations.
Learn more about what to expect during an EMDR therapy session.
Preparation for EMDR Therapy
Preparation is an essential component of EMDR therapy and occurs before and throughout memory reprocessing. Rather than beginning immediately with trauma-focused work, EMDR therapy emphasizes stabilization, emotional regulation, and readiness to ensure treatment proceeds safely and effectively.
Preparation may include developing coping strategies, strengthening emotional awareness, and establishing internal and external supports. The extent and duration of preparation vary based on individual history, current stressors, and treatment goals. For some individuals, preparation is brief; for others, it is an ongoing part of therapy.
Many clinicians integrate broader trauma-informed frameworks to support preparation for EMDR therapy. These approaches help individuals build the capacity needed for memory reprocessing and are often tailored to the person rather than applied as a fixed sequence.
For a more detailed exploration of preparation, stabilization, and readiness strategies used in daily life outside the therapy room, see our Six Pillars of Holistic Trauma Recovery resources.
EMDR Therapy in Clinical Practice
In clinical practice, EMDR therapy is delivered by licensed mental health professionals who have received specialized training in the EMDR protocol. EMDR is often integrated with other psychotherapy treatments rather than used in isolation, allowing clinicians to address trauma-related distress within a broader therapeutic framework.
In Austin, Texas, EMDR therapy is commonly offered in outpatient and private practice settings as part of trauma-informed mental health care. Clinicians may incorporate EMDR therapy at different stages of treatment depending on symptom presentation, emotional regulation capacity, and overall treatment planning considerations.
EMDR therapy may be applied differently for single-incident trauma compared to complex or developmental trauma, with greater emphasis on preparation, stabilization, and pacing when working with more longstanding or pervasive patterns of distress.
What Conditions Is EMDR Therapy Used For?
EMDR therapy is best known for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and PTSD symptoms. It may also be used in clinical contexts involving other mental health conditions when trauma-related factors are present.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
EMDR therapy is widely used in the treatment of PTSD and is recognized as an effective treatment for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder by organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. EMDR is also increasingly being shown effective for the treatment of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn more about how EMDR is adapted for complex PTSD.
Anxiety Disorders and Panic Disorder
EMDR therapy may be used to address anxiety disorders and panic disorder when distress is linked to traumatic experiences or adverse life events.
Eating Disorders
In some cases, EMDR therapy is incorporated into treatment plans for eating disorders when underlying trauma memories contribute to symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder and Other Mental Health Conditions
EMDR therapy is not a standalone treatment for bipolar disorder, but it may be used adjunctively to address trauma-related emotional distress when clinically appropriate.
Who EMDR May be Appropriate For
EMDR therapy is not defined solely by diagnostic categories. In clinical practice, it is often considered for individuals whose current emotional distress is connected to unresolved past experiences, adverse life events, or memories that continue to feel intrusive or emotionally charged.
People may explore EMDR therapy when they notice patterns such as emotional reactions that feel disproportionate to present circumstances, persistent negative beliefs about themselves, or strong physical responses triggered by reminders of past events. These experiences may or may not meet full diagnostic criteria for a specific mental health condition.
Clinicians consider factors such as emotional regulation capacity, readiness for memory-focused work, dissociative symptoms, and the availability of coping resources when determining whether EMDR therapy is appropriate. This allows EMDR to be used thoughtfully and ethically as part of an individualized psychotherapy treatment plan.
EMDR Therapy Compared to Other Types of Therapy
EMDR therapy is one of several psychotherapy treatments used in trauma care. While approaches differ, they share the goal of reducing emotional distress and improving functioning.
| Trauma Treatment | Primary Focus | Typical Structure | Common Use Cases | How It Differs From EMDR Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMDR Therapy | Memory reprocessing using bilateral stimulation while focusing on a target memory | Eight-phase, protocol-based psychotherapy including preparation, reprocessing, and integration | PTSD and trauma-related distress; adaptable for single-incident and complex trauma | — |
| Trauma-Focused CBT | Skills development and cognitive processing; trauma narrative and meaning-making | Structured CBT modules with psychoeducation, coping skills, and cognitive restructuring | PTSD symptoms, especially in children and adolescents (also used with adults) | EMDR emphasizes memory reprocessing with bilateral stimulation rather than narrative-based CBT skill modules |
| Prolonged Exposure (PE) | Habituation and inhibitory learning through repeated exposure | Manualized exposure protocol using imaginal and in-vivo exposure | PTSD where avoidance is a primary maintaining factor | EMDR does not rely on prolonged verbal recounting or repeated exposure as the primary mechanism |
| Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) | Identification and modification of trauma-related beliefs (“stuck points”) | Structured cognitive therapy using worksheets and written exercises | PTSD and trauma-related cognitive and emotional distress | EMDR centers on memory reprocessing, whereas CPT centers on cognitive restructuring |
Treatment selection depends on clinical presentation, therapist training, and individual needs. For a deeper level comparison of these evidence-based therapies, visit our page on the best treatments for PTSD.
Is EMDR Therapy an Effective Treatment?
EMDR therapy is considered an effective form of psychotherapy for trauma-related conditions. Its effectiveness is supported by clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews.
EMDR therapy is included in practice guidelines used by organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, and it is supported by professional bodies including the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization.
Treatment Effects and Possible Side Effects
Treatment effects of EMDR therapy often include reduced emotional distress, changes in negative beliefs, and improved coping related to past experiences. Some individuals may experience temporary side effects such as fatigue, vivid dreams, or increased emotional sensitivity following EMDR sessions.
These effects are typically discussed as part of treatment planning and monitored throughout clinical practice. Because EMDR therapy involves memory reprocessing, it is delivered by clinicians who follow established practice guidelines and who are trained to monitor treatment effects and adjust pacing to support safety and effectiveness.
EMDR is not appropriate at every stage of healing. Understanding when EMDR may need to be delayed or adapted is an important part of responsible trauma treatment. Our page on who should not do EMDR therapy explores how readiness, stability, and safety factor into timing and appropriateness.
Case Studies and Research on EMDR Therapy
Research on EMDR therapy includes randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and clinical case studies that examine its application across different populations and trauma presentations. Case studies are used in clinical literature to illustrate how EMDR therapy is applied in practice rather than to provide predictive outcomes for individual clients.
Ongoing research continues to explore treatment effects, mechanisms of change, and best practices for adapting EMDR therapy to different clinical contexts. Findings from this research inform training standards, practice guidelines, and ethical considerations in psychotherapy treatment delivery.
For a comprehensive collection of the research base for EMDR therapy, visit the EMDR Institute’s Research Overview page.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
Is EMDR therapy hypnosis?
No. EMDR therapy does not involve hypnosis, and clients remain fully conscious and in control.
Do I have to talk in detail about traumatic memories?
EMDR therapy does not require detailed verbal descriptions of past events.
How long does EMDR therapy take?
The number of EMDR sessions varies depending on treatment goals, history, and symptom complexity.
Can EMDR therapy be done via telehealth?
In some cases, EMDR therapy can be adapted for telehealth using modified bilateral stimulation methods.
Learn More About EMDR Therapy Services
To learn more about options for getting started with EMDR Therapy in Austin, TX, explore our EMDR therapy service page or review additional trauma education resources for more in-depth information.
Alex Penrod, MS, LPC, LCDC
Founder of Neuro Nuance Therapy and EMDR, PLLC | Established 2022 | Austin, TX
Disclaimer: This page is meant for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or clinical advice for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Consult with a licensed mental health professional for personalized guidance.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd Psychiatry
EMDR Institute. (n.d.). Research overview. https://www.emdr.com/research-overview/ EMDR Institute
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Overview of psychotherapy for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/overview_therapy.asp PTSD.gov
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Post-traumatic stress disorder. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder who.int