EMDR Therapy
EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.
About Dr Estefania
EMDR therapy online: Designed to provide the best mental health care services
Dr. Estefania Luna is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and PSYPACT authorized to provide online therapy across multiple states. Dr. Luna uses EMDR therapy, an evidence-based treatment proven to help the brain process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences. Her therapeutic approach combines warmth, safety, and structure, ensuring every step of therapy feels compassionate, effective, and grounded in science.
With years of clinical experience, Dr. Luna helps clients reprocess painful memories, reduce trauma-related symptoms, and build emotional resilience—creating meaningful, lasting change.
- Certifications:
EMDR Therapy: What it is, how it works, and why so many people choose it to heal trauma
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most recognised psychotherapy approaches for trauma treatment today. Although the name may sound technical, the results are deeply human: helping people stop reliving the past so they can finally start living in the present.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that helps process traumatic memories in a safe and effective way, using a combination of guided recall and bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements, alternating sounds or light tapping).
It was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1987 and has since been validated by dozens of clinical studies. Organisations such as the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Defense and the UK’s NHS recommend it as a first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How does EMDR work?
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that the brain has a natural ability to process and “archive” memories—just like the body heals physical wounds. But when we go through a traumatic event, that process can get blocked: the memory gets “stuck” and is relived over and over again.
In EMDR sessions, the client accesses painful memories in a safe environment, guided by the therapist. At the same time, bilateral stimulation is applied—such as following a finger with the eyes or hearing alternating tones—which helps the brain reprocess the memory and store it in a healthy way.
The result? What once triggered fear, anxiety or emotional shutdown becomes a neutral memory. You remember without reliving.
What does EMDR treat?
Although EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, its applications now go far beyond that. It is used to treat:
- Trauma and Complex PTSD
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Dissociative disorders
- Phobias
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Complicated grief
- Borderline and other personality disorders
- Low self-worth and negative core beliefs
EMDR can be used with adults, teenagers and children both in person and via Telehealth.
1
History taking and treatment planning
In this first phase, the therapist gets to know you — your history, current difficulties, and what you want to achieve through therapy. Together, you identify distressing experiences and patterns that may be linked to trauma, and decide which memories to focus on during treatment.
2
Preparation and emotional strengthening
Before working on painful memories, the therapist helps you build a sense of safety. You’ll learn simple techniques to manage overwhelming emotions and feel more grounded during and between sessions. This is your emotional toolbox.
3
Assessment of traumatic memories and beliefs
You’ll select a target memory and explore how it affects you today — what image comes to mind, what emotions it triggers, what negative belief you hold about yourself (“I’m not safe”, “I’m weak”). This sets the foundation for healing.
4
Desensitization and reprocessing with bilateral stimulation
This is the core of EMDR. While focusing on the target memory, the therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping). Your brain begins to reprocess the memory naturally, reducing the emotional charge over time.
5
Installation of positive beliefs
Once the distress around the memory decreases, you replace the old negative belief with a new, empowering one (e.g., “I’m strong”, “It’s over now”). The therapist helps reinforce this belief so it feels true at both emotional and cognitive levels.
6
Body scan for residual symptoms
You briefly revisit the memory while noticing any lingering physical tension or discomfort. The goal is to ensure that both the body and mind feel calm and resolved, not just the thoughts.
7
Closure and stabilisation between sessions
Each session ends with a return to calm. The therapist guides you through grounding exercises and coping tools to feel safe before you leave. You may be asked to keep a journal to track thoughts or dreams between sessions.
8
Reevaluation and long-term treatment planning
At the start of each new session, your therapist checks in: how are you feeling? Has the memory stayed neutral? Together, you decide whether more work is needed or if it’s time to move on to new targets or plan future support.
The 8 phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy follows a structured eight-phase protocol, typically delivered in sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes:
What does the research say?
EMDR has been studied in over 30 controlled clinical trials. Key data:
- Up to 90% of individuals with single-incident trauma no longer meet PTSD criteria after just 3 sessions (EMDR Institute data).
- Endorsed by the WHO, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies as a first-line treatment for trauma.
- Proven to produce faster results and require less between-session work than other forms of therapy.
Although there’s still debate around how EMDR works (especially regarding eye movements), the evidence confirms that it works.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
✔️ Scientifically proven to help process trauma
✔️ Works faster than traditional talk therapy
✔️ Doesn’t require you to retell painful experiences in detail
✔️ Helps transform negative beliefs (e.g., “I’m worthless” → “I’m resilient”)
✔️ Suitable for all ages and backgrounds
✔️ Boosts emotional regulation, self-esteem and resilience
Is EMDR right for you?
If you’re carrying memories that still hurt—whether they’re recent or decades old—EMDR can help you release them without reliving them.
It doesn’t matter how long ago it happened. What matters is that there’s now a safe, proven, professional way to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a revolutionary therapy that has helped millions of people heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, and many other emotional struggles. If you’re considering EMDR or simply curious about how it works, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions people have about EMDR. From understanding what the therapy entails to learning how it can benefit you, these FAQs provide valuable insights to help guide your journey toward healing.
1. What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps process traumatic memories and relieve emotional distress using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping).
2. What conditions is EMDR used for?
EMDR is primarily used to treat PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), but it is also effective for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, personality disorders, and more.
3. How many sessions are needed?
Some people feel better after a few sessions. Others need more time, especially when working through complex trauma or long-standing emotional patterns.
Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes or intensive forms (3/4 hours) and follow a structured eight-phase approach. Regular checkins help us track your progress and make sure the therapy remains focused on what matters most to you.
4. How does EMDR work?
During EMDR, you access traumatic memories while performing bilateral stimulation (eye movements, sounds, or tapping). This helps reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional impact.
5. Do I need to talk in detail about my trauma?
No. Unlike other therapies, EMDR does not require you to recount your entire history. It focuses on processing the memory safely and effectively.
6. Is EMDR effective?
Yes. Numerous clinical studies have shown that EMDR is effective, particularly for treating trauma and PTSD. It is a therapy recommended by organizations like the WHO and the U.S. Department of Defense.
7. Can I do EMDR if I don't have a severe trauma?
Yes. While EMDR is primarily used for trauma, it is also useful for treating stress, anxiety, phobias, and other emotional issues.
8. What is bilateral stimulation?
Bilateral stimulation is a key component of EMDR where you use eye movements, alternating sounds, or touches on both sides of the body. This facilitates the processing of trauma in the brain.
9. Is EMDR suitable for children?
Yes. EMDR can be adapted for all ages, including children and adolescents, and has been shown to be effective in treating childhood trauma.
10. Is EMDR a new therapy?
Although EMDR was developed in 1987, it has been widely researched and validated. Today, it is a standard treatment for PTSD and other conditions, recommended by mental health professionals worldwide.