Trauma & Grief

EMDR Explained: What It Is and How It Can Help You

5 min read · Renew Counseling Center

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy was developed in 1987 by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. In the nearly four decades since, it has become one of the most extensively researched therapies for trauma, and it is recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by organizations including the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

EMDR therapy has been linked to helping those who experienced physical or sexual assault, those who served in the military, or someone who was in a car accident. This technique uses the patient’s rapid and rhythmic eye movements with the help of a therapist. It’s shown that the movements can help decrease the power of memories that may be emotionally charged as well as previous traumatic events.

Goals of EMDR Therapy

While EMDR therapy can focus on previous traumas, some of the main goals and focuses include working to change the thoughts, behaviors, or emotions that occurred during the trauma. It can also allow your brain to go through a natural healing process.

EMDR is best established as a treatment for trauma and PTSD. Many people also find it helpful for:

Anxiety and panic
Depression
Phobias and specific fears
Grief and loss
Distress tied to specific upsetting memories or experiences
Low self-worth or beliefs rooted in painful past events

For some concerns, EMDR works best as one part of a broader treatment plan rather than a stand-alone approach. Whether EMDR is the right fit is something we determine together during an individual assessment with one of our licensed clinicians.

The EMDR Therapy Process

When participating in EMDR therapy, the patient will go through eight phases that generally occur over multiple sessions.

Phase 1 — History & Treatment Planning

The first step is to gather the patient’s history and all other relevant information. This allows the healthcare provider to determine if EMDR therapy could help you. It will also discuss the events and traumas you want to focus on during your therapy sessions.

Phase 2 — Preparation

Step two is the education and preparation step. The therapist or healthcare provider will explain what you can anticipate during the sessions.

Phase 3 — Assessment

You’ll then move on to the assessment. Your healthcare provider will help you determine the memories and themes you’re looking to focus on.

Phase 4 — Desensitization & Reprocessing

The fourth step is desensitization and reprocessing. During this step, your healthcare provider will activate the memory you want to focus on. By doing this, you will be able to identify one or more negative thoughts, body sensations, feelings, or even images. Additionally, you will be able to help realize how you’re feeling in a new way that could show you new perspectives on what you’re currently experiencing.

Phase 5 — Installation

Up next is the installation step. This step focuses on strengthening the positive beliefs that you identified previously.

Phase 6 — Body Scan

Step six is the body scan. During this step, you will focus on how you’re feeling in your body. This could include any symptoms or reactions to your feelings as you think about your negative memories and experiences.

Phase 7 — Closure

Next, you will focus on closure and stabilization. This will be when you discuss with your therapist what you can expect between sessions. They will also explain how to handle and process negative thoughts you may have between sessions.

Phase 8 — Reevaluation

Finally, you will be at the reevaluation and continuing care phase. You will talk to your healthcare provider about how you’re currently feeling and the progress you’ve made, to determine if additional sessions are needed. You will also learn how to explore feelings you have in the future and how to handle things when they occur.

Justin Robinson, LPC-S — EMDR Certified, founder of Renew Counseling Center. If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR therapy in Longview, TX and how it can help you heal from the past, call (903) 386-3824 for a free 15-minute Fit Call.

Sources: EMDR International Association — About EMDR Therapy · VA National Center for PTSD — EMDR for PTSD

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Written by Justin Robinson, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor · EMDR Certified · Founder, Renew Counseling Center
Last reviewed July 2026