What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based mental health therapy that helps the brain reprocess painful or traumatic memories so they no longer feel as intense. It’s recommended by leading organizations such as the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American Psychiatric Association. [3]

During EMDR sessions, we work with the memory itself—along with the associated images, beliefs, and emotions—to help you feel safer, calmer, and more grounded over time.

The foundation of EMDR is simple: your brain is wired to heal. Trauma can disrupt that process, leaving certain memories “stuck.” EMDR helps restart that natural healing pathway, allowing your brain to file distressing memories in the past where they belong, with much less emotional charge.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses brief sets of focused attention and bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tones, or taps) rather than extended conversation or worksheets. You’ll still learn grounding and coping skills, but the core of EMDR is reprocessing—helping your brain resolve what it couldn’t before.

EMDR is highly effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other trauma-related symptoms. It can also support addiction recovery when substance use is tied to stress patterns or unresolved memories.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR follows eight structured phases: [4]

1. History: We learn your story and identify key target memories for processing.
2. Preparation: You practice grounding skills and establish a calm, safe place for emotional stability.
3. Assessment: We select a target image, identify related negative and positive beliefs, and assess current distress levels.
4. Desensitization: You focus on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation to reduce emotional intensity.
5. Installation: Strengthen a new, more positive belief to replace the old, distressing one.
6. Body Scan: Notice and release any lingering tension or sensations connected to the memory.
7. Closure: Return to a calm state and set simple between-session care routines.
8. Reevaluation: At the next session, review progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

During reprocessing, we use bilateral stimulation, including guided eye movements, taps, or sounds, while you hold a targeted memory in mind. We examine the images, feelings, and beliefs you have about yourself. The goal is to shift a negative belief (such as “I’m not safe”) toward a more positive one (like “I survived; I’m safe now”). We also notice body sensations and help them settle.

What to expect: sessions are paced and contained. We prepare you with coping skills before we start. We close each session so you can return to daily life. We schedule a gentle follow-up to track progress and adjust the plan.

EMDR Therapy for Trauma

With EMDR therapy for trauma, many people notice fewer intrusions, less reactivity to triggers, and a quieter stress response. [5] Focus improves. Sleep often gets better. The present feels more available.

Safety and stability come first. You’ll learn grounding, breathing, and other supports before we work with tough memories. Once you’ve got those tools, we ease into EMDR at your pace.

EMDR for Anxiety

Anxiety often hooks onto specific memories or cues. With EMDR, we identify those patterns together, focusing on the most challenging moments—images and beliefs that spike worry. We then reprocess them so the triggers feel smaller and your body can settle. [6]

We pair EMDR with calming skills such as paced breathing, grounding, and safe-place imagery. You’ll practice these before, during, and after sessions.

In our IOP or Virtual IOP, EMDR fits alongside skills groups. You learn coping tools in group sessions, then use EMDR to address what keeps spiking your anxiety. The result is more control and less reactivity.

EMDR for Addiction Recovery

Unprocessed trauma can fuel cravings and addictive behaviors—stress hits, a memory flashes, and the urge follows. EMDR for addiction recovery helps lower that trigger reactivity. [7]

We reprocess the memories that keep activating your nervous system. As those reactions subside, relapse prevention becomes easier—routines stick, sleep and focus improve, and cravings feel more manageable.

Timing matters. We begin EMDR only after the basics are in place: safety, coping skills, and support. In IOP or Virtual IOP, EMDR is added when your recovery milestones show you’re ready.

EMDR vs. CBT

There are a few key differences between EMDR and CBT:

• EMDR focuses on reprocessing targeted memories using bilateral stimulation.
• CBT focuses on thought practice—identifying thoughts, testing them, and building new habits.

When to use each approach: If trauma memories are driving symptoms, we lean into EMDR. If daily negative thoughts and skills gaps are the primary issues, CBT may come first. Often, we combine both—CBT for stabilization and routines, EMDR to process the stuck memories. Both are evidence-based, and we tailor treatment to fit your needs as you grow.

What EMDR Looks Like at New Leaf

We offer EMDR as part of our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Virtual IOP. EMDR-trained clinicians lead all sessions. We move slowly and intentionally—first focusing on stabilization and skills, then beginning trauma processing when you’re ready. There’s no rushing.

You’ll set weekly goals, and we’ll review progress together throughout treatment.

Who EMDR Is For

• Adults with PTSD or a trauma history
• People experiencing panic, chronic worry, grief, or phobias
• Clients with substance use disorders whose triggers are trauma-linked

EMDR isn’t always the first step. Medical safety and stabilization come first. We build coping skills before beginning reprocessing to ensure a safe, steady recovery process.