Breaking Free From Trauma: How EMDR Therapy Facilitates Trauma Recovery

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychological therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Recognised as the gold standard for treating PTSD, EMDR’s efficacy is supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed research across a multitude of psychological conditions. Read on to learn more about EMDR, the theoretical model it is based on, and what an EMDR session is actually like.

What is EMDR?

EMDR therapy is a psychological treatment that helps individuals heal from trauma by processing distressing memories through guided eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation). It is more structured than typical therapy and uses a standardised procedure. Developed in 1989, EMDR has been shown in numerous clinical trials to be an effective treatment modality and often works faster than traditional therapeutic methods. This treatment can benefit people of all ages, including children, and is particularly helpful for those who may struggle to discuss their trauma in detail. By focusing on changing the emotions, sensations, and beliefs linked to the trauma, EMDR helps the brain resume its natural healing process.

What is the AIP model?

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, developed by Francine Shapiro, provides the theoretical foundation for EMDR therapy. According to AIP, our brains are naturally wired to process and integrate information from experiences, storing memories in a way that benefits future decision-making. However, when we experience trauma, this system becomes disrupted, leaving the traumatic memory improperly processed and "stuck" in our nervous system in a maladaptive form. As a result, traumatic experiences can resurface in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional distress, creating significant negative impacts on an individual’s life.

Through EMDR therapy, the AIP model helps to explain how the healing occurs. By using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements—while recalling traumatic memories, EMDR activates both hemispheres of the brain and supports the reprocessing of these "stuck" memories. This dual attention allows the brain to resolve the trauma by discarding negative, outdated beliefs and integrating more adaptive, positive beliefs. In essence, the AIP model shows us how EMDR helps the brain move past trauma, restoring balance and promoting mental well-being.

What is an EMDR session actually like?

A typical EMDR therapy session lasts from 60-90 minutes. It could take one or several sessions to process one traumatic experience. EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase process. The first few phases—history taking, treatment planning, preparation, and assessment—focus on identifying the key issues and creating a personalised treatment plan. During these stages, the therapist and client establish trust, and the client is provided with resources to manage emotional distress.

With this foundation in place, the middle phases, including desensitization and installation, use bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) to reprocess traumatic memories and replace negative beliefs with positive ones. Eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are used during this part of the session. After the clinician has determined which memory to target, they ask the client to hold different aspects of that event or thought in mind and to use their eyes to track the clinician’s hand as it moves back and forth across the client’s field of vision. As this happens, internal associations arise and the clients begin to process the memory and disturbing feelings.

Once the memory has been processed, the meaning the person draws from the memory is changed. For example, someone who has experienced abuse may move from feeling shame and self-blame about a memory to believing ‘I survived, and it wasn’t my fault’. Unlike other therapeutic approaches, the insights clients gain during EMDR processing come from the client’s own spontaneous emotional processing rather than the therapist’s interpretation or suggestions.

The final phases—body scan and closure —focus on any lingering emotional and physical tension. The therapist helps the client recognize any lingering body sensations. The closure phase ensures the client leaves each session feeling well regulated, while reevaluation at the start of each new session tracks progress. Together, these phases provide a comprehensive approach to trauma recovery.

Ready to book an appointment?

At STIA, we have a variety of experienced EMDR trained therapists who are ready to support you in your trauma recovery journey. Give our clinic a call today to arrange an appointment or to discuss treatment options further.

References:

Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2012.11.001

Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.