How does EMDR therapy work?

If you or someone you love is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, unresolved trauma, or severe emotional pain, you may have come across a treatment known as EMDR therapy. Short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR is a groundbreaking approach to treating trauma that is endorsed by the World Health Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs for its effectiveness in addressing traumatic stress, trauma memories, and associated mental health conditions.

At Red Ribbon Recovery Colorado, we offer EMDR treatment as part of our trauma-informed care model, because healing doesn’t just happen through talk therapy alone. In this blog, we’ll answer the question “How does EMDR therapy work?” and walk through the eight phases of this powerful process.

What is Eye Movement Desensitization EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. While walking in a park, she noticed that rapid eye movement seemed to reduce the emotional intensity of her own negative thoughts. This discovery led to the creation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a form of reprocessing therapy that uses bilateral stimulation—such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to help the brain reprocess traumatic experiences.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to discuss every detail of a traumatic event. Instead, it focuses on changing how the brain stores the negative memory, reducing its emotional charge and helping the client form a more positive belief about themselves and the experience.

How does EMDR therapy work? The adaptive information processing model

To understand how EMDR therapy works, we must look at the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, the theoretical foundation behind EMDR. The AIP model suggests that the brain has a natural ability to heal from psychological injuries—just as the body heals from physical trauma. But when a person experiences traumatic events or psychological trauma, the brain’s information processing system can become blocked.

This blockage causes upsetting memories, negative beliefs, and body sensations tied to the original traumatic event to remain “frozen” in the nervous system, leading to ongoing PTSD symptoms, such as flashbacks, anxiety, and dissociation.

EMDR treatment activates the brain’s natural healing processes by:

• Targeting a specific distressing memory
• Using bilateral movements (like eye movements) to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain
• Helping the brain “digest” the trauma memories, just like it processes daily events during REM sleep
• Replacing negative beliefs (e.g., “I’m not safe”) with positive emotions and empowering thoughts (e.g., “I am safe now”)
• The Science Behind Bilateral Stimulation

The science behind Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR sessions

One of the reasons EMDR works so effectively is its use of bilateral stimulation, which is a process that activates both hemispheres of the brain through rhythmic side-to-side movements. In eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), this can be achieved through guided eye movements, gentle tapping, or alternating auditory tones.

This stimulation mirrors the way the brain processes experiences during REM sleep, which is when memories are naturally consolidated and emotional responses are regulated.

When a person has experienced traumatic events or physical trauma, the brain’s processing system can become “stuck,” leaving distressing memories and sensations unresolved. This is common in individuals with PTSD, where the nervous system remains on high alert and PTSD symptoms, like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and intense anxiety, continue long after the danger has passed. Bilateral stimulation helps release these memories from the frozen state, allowing the brain to reprocess them in a healthier way.

As clients revisit a difficult memory, the distress tied to that experience gradually decreases. Negative self-perceptions are replaced with a positive belief, for example, moving from “I’m powerless” to “I’m safe and in control.” This process not only reduces traumatic stress but also supports emotional healing and improved mental health, enabling people to move forward without being held back by the weight of their past.

The structured eight phase approach

EMDR sessions follow a structured eight phase approach designed to ensure safety, effectiveness, and progress over time. These eight phases include:

History and treatment planning: The therapist gathers background, discusses traumatic memories, and identifies target areas for reprocessing therapy.

Preparation: The client learns grounding tools to manage emotional distress and develops trust with their therapist.

Assessment: The therapist and client identify a targeted memory, associated negative emotions, body sensations, and desired positive belief.

Desensitization: The client focuses on the distressing memory while engaging in eye movement desensitization or other bilateral stimulation.

Installation: The positive belief is strengthened as the emotional intensity of the disturbing event decreases.

Body Scan: The client checks for lingering physical sensations linked to the memory to fully release the trauma.

Closure: The session ends with stabilization techniques to ensure the client leaves feeling grounded.

Re-evaluation: In the following session, the therapist assesses progress and determines if further reprocessing is needed.

EMDR treatment vs other treatments

Compared to cognitive behavioral therapy or medication, EMDR therapy offers a more direct route to trauma healing by targeting the root cause, the original traumatic event, rather than only treating symptoms. That’s why studies suggest that EMDR can result in better recovery outcomes, especially for individuals who haven’t found relief through other treatments.

It’s effective for a wide range of issues, including:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Helping patients process traumatic memories in a safe, structured environment while reducing the physical and emotional impact of trauma triggers.

Panic disorder

Teaching coping strategies to manage sudden surges of anxiety, regulate breathing, and address the root causes of fear-based responses.

Alcohol use disorder

Supporting individuals in breaking cycles of substance abuse while addressing underlying emotional pain that can fuel relapse.

Assault victim trauma

Guiding survivors through the healing process with compassion, validation, and trauma-informed techniques that promote empowerment.

Negative emotions following painful events

Providing a healthy outlet to process grief, guilt, anger, or shame, and replacing destructive patterns with constructive coping tools.

Clients often report that successful EMDR therapy leaves them feeling lighter, calmer, and more confident in their ability to maintain recovery.

EMDR for emotional distress and co-occurring mental health disorders

Many people seeking help for post-traumatic stress disorder, or other co-occurring mental health conditions, or substance abuse issues—such as depression, anxiety, or panic disorders—also struggle with unresolved trauma that traditional therapy alone hasn’t fully addressed. EMDR therapy (movement desensitization and reprocessing) offers a targeted approach to healing by focusing directly on the traumatic memories and negative beliefs that often drive ongoing symptoms.

In EMDR treatment, carefully structured treatment planning helps identify the specific negative memory and all the physical sensations associated with it. During the reprocessing phase, bilateral stimulation helps the brain reframe the event, reduce emotional distress, and replace the negative belief with a more empowering perspective. This makes it especially valuable for people experiencing persistent traumatic stress despite trying other therapeutic methods.

By addressing the root cause of distress rather than only managing symptoms, EMDR can be transformative for individuals with co-occurring conditions.

Whether the goal is to reduce panic attacks, ease depressive thoughts, or find relief from the intrusive symptoms of PTSD, EMDR’s ability to rewire how the brain stores trauma can lead to meaningful, lasting change.

Who can benefit from EMDR therapy? From post traumatic stress disorder to substance misuse

At Red Ribbon Recovery Colorado, we offer levels of care for individuals dealing with:

• Alcohol addiction and substance use
• Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression
• Traumas related to abuse, accidents, loss, or violence
• Ongoing emotional distress from previously disturbing events

Whether you’re in early recovery, struggling with traumatic stress, or simply looking to resolve deep emotional wounds, EMDR may help you reclaim peace and resilience.

How EMDR supports addiction recovery

For many people living with substance use disorders, the root of their struggles lies in unresolved psychological trauma. Experiences such as abuse, loss, accidents, or violence can create emotional wounds that remain unhealed, leading to ongoing triggers for drug or alcohol use. The World Health Organization recognizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as an effective method for addressing these deep-seated wounds, making it a valuable tool in addiction treatment.

By using movement desensitization and reprocessing, EMDR helps clients revisit a traumatic experience in a safe and structured way, reducing the distress tied to both the memory and the physical sensations it provokes. Through targeted treatment planning, clients work with their therapist to identify the negative emotions and beliefs that keep them stuck in destructive cycles. Over time, EMDR replaces those patterns with a positive belief—for example, shifting from “I can’t cope without substances” to “I have the strength and skills to stay sober.”

This approach can be especially transformative for individuals managing severe emotional pain or co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. By directly addressing the trauma fueling substance use, successful EMDR therapy not only helps clients heal emotionally but also reduces the likelihood of relapse, supporting both recovery and long-term stability.

EMDR with Red Ribbon Recovery Colorado

EMDR works because it taps into the brain’s ability to heal and rewire itself. Through desensitization and reprocessing, EMDR helps reduce the intensity of painful memories and replaces them with clarity, confidence, and emotional strength.

If you’re ready to explore EMDR sessions in a safe and supportive environment, Red Ribbon Recovery Colorado is here to help. Healing is possible. Let EMDR show you how. Contact Red Ribbon Recovery Colorado today to learn more about our trauma-informed treatment options and schedule an assessment.