Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-based therapy that helps individuals recover from painful or overwhelming experiences.
Originally developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR has been recognized by major organizations—including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association—as an effective treatment for trauma, PTSD, and related anxiety disorders.
How EMDR Helps
When something deeply distressing happens, the brain’s natural way of processing information can get “stuck.”
Instead of being stored as a past event, the memory may continue to feel current—triggering intense emotions, anxious thoughts, or physical reactions long after the event is over.
EMDR helps the brain get “unstuck.”
During sessions, a trained therapist guides the client to focus briefly on a specific memory while also engaging in gentle, repetitive bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds). This process helps the brain reprocess the experience so it feels less vivid and distressing over time.
As healing progresses, clients often notice a shift from “I’m still in danger” to “That happened, and I’m safe now.” The memory remains—but it no longer feels overwhelming.
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase approach that begins with building safety and trust.
Therapists teach grounding and calming strategies before addressing specific memories. Sessions focus on reducing distress, strengthening positive beliefs, and helping clients feel more present and in control by recalling the past with a new perspective and self-compassion.
When EMDR Can Help
While EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, it can also be effective for:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Phobias or performance anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Chronic stress or physical symptoms linked to emotion
- Distressing or unresolved life experiences
EMDR at Anxiety Institute
At Anxiety Institute, our EMDR-trained clinicians integrate this powerful therapy when trauma, loss, or past experiences contribute to a teen’s anxiety.
EMDR is often combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and family collaboration to promote lasting emotional healing and resilience.
Our goal is to help teens process the past, feel grounded in the present, and move forward with confidence.