{"id":3392,"date":"2025-10-01T00:11:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T04:11:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/?p=3392"},"modified":"2026-02-11T11:18:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T16:18:37","slug":"what-is-emdr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/what-is-emdr\/","title":{"rendered":"What is EMDR?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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What is EMDR?<\/b><\/h3>

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a highly effective and evidence based treatment for people experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or grief stemming from a traumatic loss. Research shows that it is helpful in reducing PTSD symptom intensity and people report less flashbacks and nightmares.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

EMDR Basics<\/b><\/p>

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (or EMDR) is a treatment, but not a cure for PTSD and it will not <\/span>erase <\/span><\/i>your<\/span> traumatic memories.\u00a0 It effectively helps you process the traumatic memories that were not naturally processed after a traumatic event or experience.<\/span><\/p>

Many, if not all, treatment options for PTSD involve recalling and retelling the story of your traumatic experiences. If you’re unable to tolerate the discomfort and find yourself highly dysregulated afterwards (angry, irrational, suicidal, depressed), you may not be ready for EMDR. This is not to say that you can’t be emotional in recalling your story – but dysregulation places you and your loved ones (and at times the public) in danger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

EMDR is <\/span>not recommended<\/span><\/i> for the following:<\/span><\/p>

Medical Conditions<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Medications \/ Substances<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Mental Health Disorders<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Epilepsy \/ Seizure Disorders<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Benzodiazepines\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Dissociative amnesia or disorder<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Cardiovascular conditions<\/span><\/p><\/td>

THC or marijuana products<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Personality disorders<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Brain tumor<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Alcohol (within 48 hours)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Complex PTSD<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Eye disorders (glaucoma)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Stimulants\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Psychotic disorders<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

Who Provides EMDR Therapy?<\/b><\/p>

Safety and sensitivity to trauma are primary concerns when working with individuals suffering with PTSD. Given those concerns,\u00a0 EMDR is only recommended to be provided by a licensed mental health professional (ex: psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors or therapists, or clinical social workers) who have completed training through a certified EMDR training entity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

There are two tools to help you find a certified EMDR therapist in your area:<\/span><\/p>

  1. EMDR International Association (EMDRIA \u2122): <\/span>EMDR-IA Find a Therapist<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>
  2. EMDR Institute, Inc: <\/span>EMDR Clinician Directory \u2014 Search Results<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ol>

    How Does EMDR Work?<\/b><\/p>

    EMDR is a highly structured treatment consisting of reprocessing your traumatic memories one at a time and learning coping skills to alleviate the physical sensations and discomfort associated with flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance etc. The best results are shown to be when the therapy is done in-person. If you live with a partner or family, your therapist may provide psychoeducation about the potential for your symptoms of PTSD to increase for a short period but decline quickly as treatment moves along.<\/span><\/p>

    The EMDR Process:<\/span><\/p>