What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured psychotherapy for processing distressing memories and reducing trauma-related symptoms. It uses bilateral stimulation as one part of a wider clinical protocol.
Read moreResources
Understanding EMDR and group EMDR.
Gentle, practical information about EMDR, group EMDR, and what to expect if you or someone you care about is looking for trauma support.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is a structured psychotherapy used to help people process distressing or traumatic experiences. Bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, sounds, or rhythmic movement, is used within a wider clinical protocol led by trained professionals. EMDRIA describes EMDR as a researched therapy for trauma and PTSD, and notes that it should be provided by properly trained mental-health clinicians. Read more at EMDRIA.
EMDR is not simply eye movements on their own. It includes history taking, preparation, assessment, processing, installation, body-scan, closure, and re-evaluation phases. The bilateral stimulation is one part of that broader clinical process.
Why is EMDR used for trauma?
The World Health Organization lists EMDR among psychological interventions that should be considered for adults with PTSD, alongside trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and stress management. Read the WHO guidance.
In practice, EMDR aims to help distressing memories become less emotionally charged and easier to integrate. A person may still remember what happened, but the memory may no longer feel as if it is happening now.
Does EMDR require telling the full story?
EMDR does not require a person to describe every detail of a distressing event. People do need enough clinical assessment and preparation to work safely, but the processing itself can often happen without repeated detailed retelling.
What is group EMDR?
Group EMDR protocols adapt EMDR's phased structure for people who share a context, such as a disaster, critical incident, or ongoing community stress. Participants can work privately with worksheets, images, symbols, or internal focus while facilitators maintain the structure of the group.
The EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol was developed for post-disaster and humanitarian settings and has been described in peer-reviewed literature as a way to extend support to larger groups affected by natural disasters and other large-scale events. Read the post-disaster protocol paper.
What does the evidence say about group EMDR?
The evidence base is still developing, but published studies and field reports describe reductions in distress and PTSD symptoms in disaster-affected groups. One open-access study reported encouraging outcomes for adolescents after the 2016 Central Italy earthquake, while also discussing limitations and the need for careful clinical interpretation. Read the study.
How does this connect with The Path Program?
The Path Program uses a structured online group format for eligible ACC Sensitive Claims clients. It combines psychoeducation, resourcing, guided processing, and poi-assisted bilateral movement. Path is one application of Trauma Aid's wider commitment to scalable, evidence-informed trauma support.