EMDR Therapy: A Powerful Tool for Change
What is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)?
EMDR is a therapeutic approach originally developed to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress, but its application has expanded to many areas (anxiety, phobias, OCD, performance issues). The “EM” in EMDR stands for eye-movements. Engaging in this movement or other methods of bilateral stimulation (buzzing, tapping or sounds) supports desensitizing (D) and reprocessing (R) memories, allowing the brain to integrate the material adaptively instead of being stuck in the original trauma.
Why EMDR can be effective
• It may accelerate healing: by targeting the memory-network directly, EMDR may reduce distress, negative beliefs, and physiological arousal tied to the memory.
• It allows memory processing without having to verbally re-live every detail in the traditional way — which can feel safer and more tolerable for some clients struggling with the shameful elements of traumatic memories.
• It fits well within our practice’s specialties: when trauma intersects with OCD, ADHD, autism or other presentations, EMDR offers a flexible, brain-based treatment option.
How EMDR works: stages & what you’ll experience
History & planning: therapist assesses readiness, goals, and screens for stability.
Preparation: building resources, grounding, teaching self-regulation skills.
Assessment of the target memory: identifying the image, negative belief, emotion, body sensation.
Desensitisation / Reprocessing: client attends to the memory while following therapist-guided bilateral stimulation (e.g., tracking finger movements).
Installation: strengthening a positive belief.
Body scan: checking for residual somatic distress.
Closure: ensuring safe return to equilibrium
Re-evaluation: checking next session to ensure progress or adjust target.
Considerations & what to ask
• Trust in your therapist is foundational to engaging in any trauma work, including EMDR. look for certified/trained practitioners.
• While EMDR can be powerful, we ensure clients have adequate stabilization and are prepared for processing.
• If your presentation includes comorbid OCD, ADHD, autism, or complex trauma, ask how EMDR is integrated within that broader context.
Why EMDR at our practice
At Theory & Method we offer EMDR delivered within a neurodiversity-aware, trauma-informed framework. This means we understand how ADHD, autism spectrum traits, trauma histories, and OCD can all interact — and we tailor EMDR accordingly (e.g., adapt pacing, sensory regulation, executive-function supports).
Getting started
If you’re curious about EMDR, schedule an intake where we discuss your history, symptom profile, readiness, and whether EMDR is appropriate. From there we’ll build a plan, track progress, and ensure you feel empowered throughout the process.