What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one mode of therapy that Cleveland Rape Crisis Center offers. It is a form of psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the emotional distress of a traumatic experience.


How does EMDR work?

EMDR therapy enables people to access the part of their brain that naturally heals emotional “wounds.” Like how a physical wound heals naturally without further irritation, emotional “wounds” heal too. EMDR helps to remove the “irritation” or “block” that can get in the way of the natural healing process.

By moving their hand in a certain way with the client’s focus, therapists are able to trigger biological mechanisms similar to REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. The client focuses on a certain memory or feeling associated with their trauma while the therapist moves their hand, helping the client’s brain to process the memory.

Why does EMDR work?

This method allows clients to heal themselves through their own emotional and intellectual processes without therapist interpretation of their trauma. It allows clients to transform former feelings of self-disgust and pain to self-empowerment.

Results have demonstrated significant relief from PTSD symptoms after six 50-minute sessions.


Find out additional information about EMDR with these recommended resources.

Request an Appointment

Call (216) 619-6194 ext. 141, or request an appointment online.