Medically reviewed by Kevin Wandler, MD, Chief Medical Advisor
If you have been researching trauma treatment in Dallas-Fort Worth, you have probably come across the term EMDR, short for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It is a structured form of psychotherapy developed to help people process traumatic memories so they feel less overwhelming. Many people are curious about it because it works differently from traditional talk therapy.
This article is an educational overview of EMDR: how it works, what treatment typically involves, who it may help and how to choose the right trauma care for you. It is not a description of the services offered at Promises Dallas-Fort Worth. If trauma symptoms have you thinking about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 now. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a psychotherapy designed to reduce the distress linked to traumatic memories. During the reprocessing part of treatment, a person briefly brings a painful memory to mind while paying attention to a back-and-forth stimulus guided by the therapist. That stimulus is often side-to-side eye movements, but some therapists use alternating taps or tones instead.
Unlike some trauma therapies, EMDR does not require you to describe the traumatic event in great detail or complete homework between sessions. The focus is on what comes up internally, such as images, thoughts, emotions and body sensations, as the memory is processed.
How EMDR Is Thought to Work
Traumatic memories can stay “stuck,” feeling as vivid and threatening years later as they did at the time. EMDR is based on the idea that the brain can reprocess these memories so they become less intense and connect with more balanced beliefs. A memory that once carried the belief “I am powerless” may come to feel more like “It is over, and I survived.”
Researchers continue to study exactly why EMDR helps, including how much the eye movements themselves contribute. What is clearer is that trauma-focused psychotherapies, including EMDR, can reduce PTSD symptoms for many people.
What EMDR Treatment Typically Involves
EMDR follows a structured, multi-phase approach. While every therapist adapts it, treatment usually moves through these steps:
- History and planning. The therapist learns about your history, current symptoms and goals, and identifies memories to target.
- Preparation. You learn calming and grounding skills so you can handle strong emotions during and between sessions.
- Assessment. You identify a target memory, the negative belief attached to it, a more helpful belief you would like to hold and how distressing the memory feels.
- Reprocessing. You focus on the memory while following the back-and-forth stimulus in short sets, noticing whatever comes up.
- Strengthening the positive belief. As distress decreases, the therapist helps reinforce the healthier belief.
- Body scan and closure. You check for leftover tension and end each session feeling steady.
- Reevaluation. Each new session reviews progress and decides what to work on next.
Who May Benefit From EMDR
EMDR is most closely associated with PTSD. It is included among the recommended trauma-focused psychotherapies in clinical practice guidelines used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It has also been studied for other conditions, though the evidence there is less established.
EMDR is not the right starting point for everyone. People in an active crisis, those with severe dissociation and those whose substance use is not yet stable may need a period of stabilization before intensive trauma processing. A qualified clinician can help you decide whether EMDR, another approach or a combination makes the most sense right now.
EMDR, Trauma and Substance Use
Trauma and substance use often go hand in hand. When they do, many clinicians recommend a period of stabilization first, which can include medical detox, early recovery skills and emotional coping tools, before diving into deep trauma work. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment helps make sure trauma and substance use are addressed together instead of on separate tracks.
Other Evidence-Based Approaches to Trauma
EMDR is one of several effective options. Other trauma-focused therapies grounded in cognitive behavioral principles help people process trauma and change the beliefs it leaves behind. Dialectical behavior therapy builds skills for managing intense emotions. Trauma-informed care shapes the entire treatment environment around safety, trust and choice. The right fit depends on your symptoms, history and preferences.
Questions to Ask When Choosing Trauma Care
- Which trauma therapies do you use, and are your clinicians trained in them?
- How do you help clients build stability before processing trauma?
- How do you address substance use that occurs alongside trauma?
- Which levels of care are available if I need more than weekly therapy?
Trauma Care at Promises DFW
Promises Dallas-Fort Worth provides PTSD and trauma treatment for adults, drawing on trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, individual and group therapy, family therapy and psychiatric care. If you are interested in EMDR or another specific approach, ask our admissions team which trauma therapies are available and which fit your needs. Learn more about mental health treatment for Dallas residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EMDR a form of hypnosis?
No. You stay awake, alert and in control throughout the session and can pause at any time.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
EMDR generally asks for less detailed description than some other trauma therapies, although you do bring the memory to mind during processing.
Does Promises DFW offer EMDR?
The therapies used at Promises DFW include trauma-informed care, CBT and DBT. To learn which trauma therapies are currently available and which suit your situation, contact our admissions team.
Can EMDR be done through telehealth?
Some therapists offer EMDR by video using adapted techniques. Whether that is a good fit depends on your symptoms, your stability and the therapist’s training, so ask about it directly.
Ask About Trauma Treatment Options
Choosing a trauma therapy is a personal decision, and you deserve clear answers. Call our admissions team 24/7 at (469) 546-9303 to talk through your needs. You can also verify your insurance or send us your questions online.