EMDR is an evidence-based integrative psychotherapy that was developed in the late 1980s initially as a treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is based on the Adaptive Information Processing theory which suggests that the psychopathology is the result of maladaptive encoding and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse events. EMDR aims to complete or store more adaptively these memories.

EMDR is a standardised treatment which incorporates dual focus of attention and alternating bilateral visual, auditory or tactile stimulation e.g., by bringing the memory into consciousness while tracking a moving light with your eyes. By doing so the disturbing memory is activated and adaptive processing and integration is restored.

Along with PTSD there is growing evidence that EMDR can be a useful treatment with complicated grief, phobias, disturbing memories and complex trauma to name a few.