EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

What it is

EMDR, which stands for eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, is a structured therapy developed for trauma. In it, a person briefly brings to mind a distressing memory while simultaneously following a rhythmic, side-to-side stimulation, classically the therapist's finger moving back and forth for the eyes to track, though taps or tones are also used. The idea is that this helps the brain reprocess a traumatic memory that has become "stuck", so that it can be stored as a normal memory that no longer triggers the same intense distress.

It is a specialised, phased therapy that must be delivered by a trained therapist. It is not something to attempt alone, which is why it lives here in the Treatments section rather than among the self-help exercises.

Why it helps, and the evidence

EMDR has strong evidence for post-traumatic stress disorder and is recommended as a first-line trauma treatment by major international guidelines, alongside trauma-focused CBT. While exactly why the eye movements help is still researched and debated, the overall treatment reliably reduces the intensity of traumatic memories and PTSD symptoms across many trials. It helps people whose lives are dominated by intrusive memories, flashbacks and distress to process what happened so it no longer overwhelms the present.

What to expect

EMDR is delivered in structured phases. Early sessions focus on safety, stability and preparation, building trust and coping skills before any trauma processing begins, which matters greatly. Only then does the reprocessing work start, in carefully managed sessions. This phased, paced approach is essential and is part of why it should only be done with a trained professional.

Is it right for me

EMDR is mainly for trauma and PTSD. For people whose central difficulty is intrusive traumatic memories, it is one of the two best-evidenced options (with trauma-focused CBT). A trauma-trained professional can assess whether it suits you and ensure the preparation phase is properly done. Trained EMDR therapists exist in Kenya though numbers are limited; our Get Support page can help you find services.

When to seek help

If you are troubled by intrusive memories, flashbacks or distress following a traumatic experience, seek a trauma-trained mental health professional and ask about EMDR or trauma-focused CBT. See our PTSD guide for more on the condition itself.