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Specializing in the Treatment of OCD and Related Anxiety Based Conditions

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an extensively researched therapy approach recognized for its effectiveness in treating trauma-related conditions, including PTSD and complex trauma. Endorsed by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), American Psychological Association (APA), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), EMDR helps EMDR Treatment for Traumathe brain resolve the emotional and physical impacts of distressing experiences, which doesn’t require sharing details of the trauma. By using bilateral stimulation and structured protocols, EMDR supports the brain and body’s ability to heal by restoring a sense of safety and regulation, while fostering new learning through the adaptive reprocessing of the trauma.

EMDR is especially helpful for people who continue to feel triggered or overwhelmed by past events, even when they logically know they’re safe. It’s designed to reduce the emotional intensity of stuck memories, along with symptoms like shame, guilt, anxiety, and depression. Through this process, one often develop new, healthier beliefs about themselves and the world around them. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses more on reprocessing than narrative, helping shift how emotional memories are stored in the brain.

Evidence and Safety

EMDR therapy is a well-established, evidence-based treatment supported by over 40 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. Clinical research and neurobiological findings continue to support its ability to facilitate the adaptive processing of distressing memories, reduce emotional reactivity, and improve psychological functioning. EMDR is recognized as a front-line treatment for PTSD by reputable organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Studies have shown that EMDR is generally safe and well-tolerated, even among individuals with complex trauma histories. Ongoing research continues to explore its broader applications to conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and dissociation.

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EMDR for OCD and OCD Spectrum Disorders

While EMDR is not considered a first-line treatment for OCD, we acknowledge that trauma and OCD often intersect in complex and meaningful ways. Small trials and case studies suggest that EMDR may help reduce OCD symptoms, especially when trauma is a contributing factor, but the overall research remains limited. Ongoing studies are exploring how EMDR compares to established treatments such as ERP and CBT, as well as its potential application across OCD spectrum disorders, including body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), hoarding disorder, and trichotillomania. At this time, EMDR is not recommended as a primary or standalone treatment for OCD.

At OCDLA, we do not use EMDR specifically for treating OCD and its related disorders unless otherwise requested by the client. In such cases, we provide informed consent to ensure clients understand the differences, including possible limitations, between EMDR and established, evidence-based treatments for OCD.

In some situations, we may incorporate EMDR alongside these established treatments when clients are also presenting with a history of trauma, attachment-related distress, or other emotional challenges including shame, guilt, depression, and anger, that may or may not be linked to the OCD.

How EMDR Therapy Works (The 8 Phases)

EMDR therapy follows a clear, eight-step process that helps you process difficult memories and emotions in a safe, supportive way:

  1. History and Treatment Planning: Build rapport and safe environment, gather general and trauma specific history as appropriate, and psychoeducate on EMDR and how and if it might be a good treatment option.
  2. Preparation: Identify, build, and teach resourcing/coping skills for helping with any emotional difficulties that might arise.
  3. Assessment: Identify target memory to begin with, including certain aspects of it including images, beliefs, level of distress, and physical sensations.
  4. Desensitization: Process memories while using a form of bilateral stimulation (BLS) like eye movements, tapping, and auditory tones.
  5. Installation: Reinforce new, positive beliefs about yourself.
  6. Body Scan: Notice any remaining discomfort/sensations in the body paired with eye moments, etc.
  7. Closure: Give time at the end of the session to decompress more, process the EMDR session, including what stood and how it generally went, as well as practice any coping if needed, before ending the session.
  8. Reevaluation: Check in with target memory continue the protocol. And if memory target is complete, then can move on to any subsequent memory targets.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is EMDR used for?
EMDR helps people recover from trauma, anxiety, grief, and overwhelming life events. It’s especially effective for people with PTSD or intense emotional distress.

How is it different from regular talk therapy?
With EMDR, you don’t need to talk through every detail of a memory. Instead, we focus on how your brain stores and processes it, using specific techniques to help reduce its emotional impact.

Is EMDR safe?
Yes. EMDR is supported by years of research and is recognized by major health organizations. It’s safe, and each session moves at your own pace.

Will I feel worse before I feel better?
Sometimes uncomfortable memories come up, but you’re always in control. Most people feel relief and clarity as we work through those memories.

How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you’re working through. Some issues may resolve relatively short amount of sessions, while others may take longer.

We offer EMDR as a core trauma-focused treatment for individuals navigating the effects of PTSD, anxiety, and past distressing experiences. Our trained clinicians provide a supportive and structured process tailored to your needs, helping you reprocess painful memories and move toward healing. Whether you’re dealing with recent trauma or long-standing patterns, EMDR offers a powerful, evidence-based approach to helping you move beyond your past and into new beginnings.

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