EMDR – Client Handout

What is EMDR?
The mind can often heal itself naturally, in the same way as the body does. Much of this natural coping mechanism occurs during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 1987, utilising this natural process in order to successfully treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since then, EMDR has been widely recognized as an effective treatment for not only PTSD but also other trauma-related disorders such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and complicated grief. By mimicking the natural eye movements that occur during REM sleep, EMDR helps the brain process and reframe distressing memories, reducing their emotional charge and enabling individuals to move forward with greater emotional resilience. Its structured approach, which involves recalling traumatic events while engaging in bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements, but sometimes tapping or auditory tones), facilitates the brain’s ability to integrate these memories in a healthier way. Over the years, numerous studies have shown that EMDR can lead to significant and lasting improvements in mental health, making it one of the most evidence-based therapies for trauma.