EMDR Therapy

Most of our services are offered in person, conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, and online.

Bilingual services for Spanish speakers

What is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?

EMDR is an evidence-based treatment that was created by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s.  It was originally developed to treat posttraumatic stress disorder. Since its inception, mental health professionals have continued to study its application in different settings and with different mental health issues. We now have decades of research supporting the effectiveness of EMDR as a treatment for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and addictions, to name a few. EMDR is a specialized treatment that requires significant training to be done proficiently. 

What Will it Be Like to Do EMDR?

Initially, you’ll go through a preparation phase in which your therapist will get to know you and your history. Together, you will decide on a specific memory or “target” to work on. Only once you and your therapist feel you have the tools to manage whatever comes up during processing and you feel safe enough to do so, will you begin the “processing” phase. 

During an EMDR session, you'll talk to a therapist about the upsetting memory while also focusing on something else at the same time, most commonly eye movements where you follow the therapist's finger or a dot on a screen as it goes from side to side. Sometimes, other forms of "bilateral stimulation" (BLS)  are used, like tapping on your hands or listening to sounds alternating in each ear. PACS also offers the option of using buzzers you hold in your hands as they vibrate alternating sides. You will work with your therapist to find the best form of bilateral stimulation for you.

How Bilateral Stimulation Works

When you think of a difficult memory or feeling as you focus on the eye movements (or whatever form of BLS you’re using), that focus distracts you just enough to allow your brain to reprocess the memory in a new way without being overwhelmed by intense emotions. As you process, you will notice new aspects of the memory. During processing, we will just follow the trail as it comes up, eventually getting to a place where this issue no longer has power over your life. The theory behind EMDR is that we all have the capacity to process these memories in a healthy way, and the BLS simply facilitates this process. 

The goal of EMDR is not to erase the memory but to take away the intense emotional charge that's attached to it. So, you'll still remember what happened, but it won't feel as upsetting or overwhelming anymore. It's like the memory gets filed away properly, in the past, where it belongs.

How Will I Feel After an EMDR Session?

It really depends on the content of the session. Some people describe feeling lighter right after processing, other people might feel sadness. It’s different every session and for every individual. Your therapist will work with you to make sure you have enough time to manage these feelings prior to the end of your session. In addition, you’ll continue to process after the session, so you might find that the way you feel changes as the days go by. 

Schedule a Consultation

The Eight Phases of EMDR

As you begin your EMDR journey, you'll move through eight distinct phases, each designed to help you integrate and heal.

  • Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning

    In this initial phase, your therapist will get to know you better. You'll discuss your past experiences, current triggers, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This helps your therapist understand your unique situation and create a personalized plan for your EMDR sessions.

  • Phase 2: Preparation

    Before you dive into processing, your therapist will prepare you for what's to come. They'll explain how EMDR works and what you can expect during the sessions. Crucially, you'll learn self-soothing and coping skills, like relaxation techniques or visualizing a "safe place." These tools will be invaluable for managing any emotions that might arise during or between sessions.

  • Phase 3: Assessment

    Now it's time to identify a specific memory to work on. You and your therapist will pinpoint the most distressing image associated with that memory. You'll also identify any negative beliefs you hold about yourself because of the event (e.g., "I'm not good enough"), along with the emotions and physical sensations that come with it. You'll then rate how disturbing this memory feels and how true you believe a more positive statement about yourself could be.

  • Phase 4: Desensitization

    This is the core of EMDR. While focusing on that target memory—its image, your negative belief, the emotions, and body sensations—you'll engage in bilateral stimulation (BLS). This often involves following your therapist's hand movements with your eyes, or you might use auditory tones or gentle tapping. As you engage in BLS, you're encouraged to simply notice whatever thoughts, feelings, or images come to mind, without judgment. Your therapist will repeat sets of BLS until the distress associated with the memory significantly decreases.

  • Phase 5: Installation

    Once the negative charge of the memory has lessened, you'll focus on strengthening a positive belief you want to associate with the event. While holding this positive belief in mind, you'll continue with BLS. This helps to "install" and integrate that new, more positive perspective, making it feel genuinely true when you think about the reprocessed memory.

  • Phase 6: Body Scan

    After installing the positive belief, you'll mentally scan your body from head to toe. This is to check for any lingering physical sensations or tension connected to the original traumatic memory. If you notice any remaining discomfort, your therapist will use more BLS until that physical sensation resolves.

  • Phase 7: Closure

    At the end of each EMDR processing session, your therapist will help you return to a calm state. If you haven't fully processed a memory, they'll provide strategies to help you manage any emotional shifts between sessions, using the coping skills you learned earlier.

  • Phase 8: Reevaluation

    At the start of your next session, you and your therapist will review the progress made on previously processed memories. This ensures that the distress remains low and that the positive beliefs are still strong. This phase also allows you to identify any new memories to target or adjust your treatment plan as needed.

EMDR at PACS

It really depends on the content of the session. Some people describe feeling lighter right after processing, other people might feel sadness. It’s different for every session and for every individual. Your therapist will work with you to make sure you have enough time to manage these feelings prior to the end of your session. In addition, you’ll continue to process after the session, so you might find that the way you feel changes as the days go by. 

Ready to Learn More?

You can also email us at info@pacsnyc.com for more information.