Written by Glintcare Clinical Team
Our multidisciplinary clinical team develops and reviews educational mental health content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current clinical practice.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma by facilitating the brain's natural information-processing mechanisms. It is one of the most researched and recommended treatments for PTSD.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories are stored incorrectly in the brain — they remain "stuck" with the original emotions, sensations, and beliefs intact. During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides you to recall traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (typically side-to-side eye movements, but also tapping or tones). This dual focus allows the brain to reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional charge and storing it as an ordinary memory.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
History Taking: Understanding your history and identifying targets
Preparation: Teaching coping strategies and establishing safety
Assessment: Identifying the specific memory, negative belief, and desired positive belief
Desensitisation: Processing the memory with bilateral stimulation
Installation: Strengthening the positive belief
Body Scan: Checking for residual physical tension
Closure: Ensuring stability between sessions
Reevaluation: Checking progress at the next session
What EMDR Treats
- PTSD and Complex PTSD - Single-incident trauma (car accidents, assault, natural disasters) - Childhood trauma and abuse - Phobias and panic disorder - Grief and loss - Performance anxiety
What to Expect
EMDR does not require describing the trauma in detail or completing homework between sessions. Many people find it less distressing than talking about the trauma repeatedly. However, processing can be emotionally intense, and your therapist will ensure you have adequate coping skills before beginning.
At Glintcare
Our therapists are trained in EMDR and can help determine if this approach is right for your specific needs. EMDR is often integrated into a broader treatment plan that includes other therapeutic modalities.
