What is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based psychotherapy that has helped millions of people recover from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR has become one of the most researched and effective treatments for trauma-related conditions.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that psychological distress is often caused by unprocessed memories. When we experience trauma, our brain's natural ability to process information can become overwhelmed, causing memories to be stored with all the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs intact.

During EMDR sessions, your therapist guides you through a structured eight-phase approach while you focus on a traumatic memory. As you do this, you'll follow the therapist's hand movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (like tapping or audio tones). This dual attention allows your brain to reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and helping you develop more adaptive beliefs.

The Eight Phases of EMDR

1. History Taking: Your therapist learns about your background and identifies memories to target.
2. Preparation: You learn about EMDR and develop coping skills for emotional distress.
3. Assessment: Specific memories are activated and their components identified.
4. Desensitization: Bilateral stimulation is used while focusing on the memory.
5. Installation: Positive beliefs are strengthened to replace negative ones.
6. Body Scan: Physical sensations related to the memory are addressed.
7. Closure: Each session ends with stabilization techniques.
8. Reevaluation: Progress is assessed and new targets identified.

What Conditions Does EMDR Treat?

While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research has shown it to be effective for many conditions:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Childhood trauma and abuse
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Phobias
• Grief and loss
• Performance anxiety
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

EMDR for Children and Adolescents

Children experience trauma differently than adults, and they need age-appropriate therapeutic approaches. Dr. Quraishi is specially trained in child-friendly EMDR techniques that use play, storytelling, and creative activities to help young patients process traumatic experiences safely and effectively.

Child EMDR may incorporate drawings, games, and narratives that make the therapy engaging and less intimidating. Many children show significant improvement in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.

What to Expect in Your First EMDR Session

Your first few sessions will focus on building a therapeutic relationship, understanding your history, and preparing you for the reprocessing work. You'll learn relaxation techniques and develop a "safe place" visualization to use during and between sessions.

EMDR is available both in-person at our Irvine, CA office and via telehealth for patients throughout California and internationally.