EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it is a form of therapy used to treat individuals who have experienced trauma or distressing events. During EMDR therapy, the therapist helps the individual process their traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones.

The theory behind EMDR is that traumatic memories can become stuck in the brain in a fragmented form, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, and nightmares. By engaging in bilateral stimulation while recalling the traumatic event, the individual is able to reprocess the memory in a more adaptive way, allowing them to move past the trauma and reduce their symptoms.

EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. It is a structured therapy that typically involves multiple sessions, with the ultimate goal of helping the individual process their trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms.