EMDR therapy (the EMDR method) helps reprocess psychological trauma. Discover how an EMDR psychologist can support you, including online.

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy session, illustration of desensitisation

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. In practice we speak of EMDR therapy or the EMDR method.

It is a recognised psychotherapeutic approach for treating psychological trauma, anxiety, phobias and post-traumatic stress. As an EMDR psychologist, I use it regularly in online consultations.

Recommended by the WHO and the Haute Autorité de Santé, the method relies on adaptive information reprocessing: it helps unblock painful memories that remain « stuck » in the nervous system so they can be naturally reprocessed, without forcing a reliving of the experience.

Looking for a consultation? Explore online EMDR therapy as well as fees and appointments. We discuss your situation before choosing the tools for your care.

How does the EMDR method work?

The EMDR method does not seek to erase the past. It helps the brain digest what could not be processed at the time of the shock — images, sensations, emotions, negative beliefs.

An EMDR therapy session unfolds in several phases:

Preparation and framework — safety, pacing, calming tools
Identification of the targeted memory, sensation or difficulty
Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, sounds or tapping)
Observation of thoughts, sensations, images or emotions that emerge
Integration of more adaptive perceptions, then closing the session

Support is provided gently, at your own pace, in a safe space. For a deeper clinical reading of the process, see also EMDR as a natural process and EMDR and post-traumatic stress.

Who is it for? Indications for EMDR therapy

EMDR therapy is particularly indicated for:

Trauma (accident, violence, abuse, bereavement…)
Post-traumatic stress and its reactivations
Chronic anxiety, phobias, some OCD patterns or psychosomatic pain
Emotional blocks or episodes of dissociation
Wounds linked to romantic relationships: traumatic breakups, betrayal, painful attachment patterns

On this last point, the site already develops trauma in romantic relationships in depth: when the past resurfaces in the couple, EMDR can help reprocess the memories and sensations that maintain fear, mistrust or emotional dependence.

To learn more about my therapeutic framework: Online EMDR psychologist — my approach

What does a session with an EMDR psychologist look like?

Seeing an EMDR psychologist does not mean plunging straight into the most painful memory. We often start by:

clarifying your request and what already feels manageable;
installing resources (grounding, breathing, safe place);
targeting a specific memory, image or sensation;
proceeding with reprocessing through bilateral stimulation;
checking how the body and emotions have settled, then closing the session.

Between sessions, processing may continue to « digest » — that is expected. We adjust the pace so the process remains tolerable.

Online EMDR: is video consultation suitable?

Online EMDR may be considered after discussing your situation, needs and the conditions for video consultations. A private space, a stable connection and the ability to remain in contact with your therapist are among the points to check. Adapting the work to video is an individual decision. Read about the format and practical details of my consultations.

What precautions does EMDR therapy involve?

Working with difficult memories can bring up intense emotions. Preparation and learning calming techniques are part of treatment; the pace and goals need to suit your situation. Neither a result nor a fixed number of sessions can be guaranteed in advance.

The NICE recommendations on post-traumatic stress disorder, sections 1.6.18 to 1.6.20 describe indications for EMDR in adults, the importance of trained and supervised practitioners, and phased work including ways to manage distressing memories. These recommendations alone do not establish equivalence between video and in-person treatment.

A holistic and integrative approach

The EMDR method is often complemented by other tools — mindfulness, bodywork, guided breathing — to support a deeper return to balance. This is also the spirit of my psychotherapy support: a holistic approach, adapted to each person.

Diagram illustrating the EMDR reprocessing process

In conclusion

EMDR therapy may form part of support for difficulties related to traumatic experiences. Choosing this approach depends on your situation and an assessment with your therapist.

If you would like support from an EMDR psychologist via video consultation, you can discover my psychotherapy practice, read the article on romantic relational trauma, or book an appointment.