What is EMDR Therapy? A Complete Guide
By Candice Gonzalez, LCSW • February 15, 2026
If you've been researching trauma therapy, you've probably come across EMDR. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and could it help you? This guide explains everything you need to know about EMDR therapy.
What Does EMDR Stand For?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a type of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 that helps people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences.
How is EMDR Different from Talk Therapy?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to talk in detail about your traumatic experience. You don't need to complete homework assignments between sessions. Instead, EMDR uses your brain's natural healing ability to process traumatic memories.
Think of it this way: When you cut your finger, your body knows how to heal the wound. But if something keeps irritating the cut — like dirt or a splinter — it can't heal properly. Once you remove the irritant, healing happens naturally.
EMDR works similarly for emotional wounds. Traumatic memories can get "stuck" in your brain, causing ongoing distress. EMDR helps remove the block so your brain can process and heal from the memory naturally.
How Does EMDR Work?
During EMDR therapy, you'll briefly focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation — typically side-to-side eye movements guided by your therapist. This dual attention helps your brain process the memory differently.
After successful EMDR treatment, you'll still remember what happened, but the memory won't carry the same emotional charge. The distressing images, sounds, and feelings become less vivid and less disturbing.
What Can EMDR Treat?
EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but research shows it's effective for many issues:
- PTSD and trauma — combat, accidents, assaults, abuse
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Phobias
- Grief and loss
- Childhood trauma
- Negative self-beliefs
- Performance anxiety
Is EMDR Effective?
Yes. EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment by:
- American Psychological Association
- World Health Organization
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of Defense
Over 30 positive controlled outcome studies support EMDR's effectiveness. Many people experience significant relief in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy.
What Happens During an EMDR Session?
EMDR therapy follows an 8-phase approach:
- History and treatment planning — Discuss your history and identify target memories
- Preparation — Learn coping techniques and what to expect
- Assessment — Identify specific aspects of the target memory
- Desensitization — Process the memory using bilateral stimulation
- Installation — Strengthen positive beliefs
- Body scan — Check for residual physical tension
- Closure — Return to equilibrium at session end
- Reevaluation — Review progress at next session
How Long Does EMDR Take?
Treatment length varies depending on your history and the complexity of your trauma. Some people experience significant improvement in 6-12 sessions. Those with complex trauma histories may need longer treatment.
One of EMDR's advantages is that it often works faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma. Many people notice changes within the first few sessions.
Does Insurance Cover EMDR?
Yes. EMDR is covered by most insurance plans as a form of psychotherapy. At Agile Counseling, we accept SelectHealth, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, EMI Health, Tricare, and PEHP.
Can EMDR Be Done Online?
Yes. EMDR can be effectively delivered via telehealth using secure video sessions. Research supports the effectiveness of online EMDR, making it accessible even if you can't come to the office in person.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR may be helpful if you:
- Have experienced trauma (recent or past)
- Feel "stuck" despite trying other therapies
- Have distressing memories that still affect you
- Experience anxiety, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Want to heal without talking about trauma in detail
Get Started with EMDR in Sandy, Utah
At Agile Counseling, Candice Gonzalez, LCSW offers compassionate EMDR therapy for residents of Sandy, Draper, Salt Lake City, and the greater Salt Lake Valley. With 22 years of clinical experience, she provides a safe, supportive environment for your healing journey.