Skip to main content
Intermediate Technical IVT

EMDR

Also written as: EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, occasionally used in emergency settings for acute trauma responses.

Full Definition

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach that uses bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, to help process traumatic memories. While primarily used in outpatient settings, modified EMDR techniques may be employed in psychiatric emergency departments for patients experiencing acute trauma responses or dissociative episodes. Emergency applications focus on stabilization rather than full trauma processing.

Usage

Usage note: Always write as all capitals when referring to the therapy method.

In Context

  • "The crisis counselor utilized basic EMDR grounding techniques to help stabilize the trauma victim." — Crisis intervention documentation

Don't confuse with

CBT exposure therapy

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON