EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. You briefly bring a distressing memory to mind while your therapist guides back and forth stimulation, such as eye movements, taps or sounds. Dr. Francine Shapiro’s model suggests this helps the brain process the memory so it can feel less overwhelming. Treatment follows eight phases, from history taking and preparation through processing and review.

Dr. Francine Shapiro developed EMDR beginning in 1987. The World Health Organization’s 2013 guidelines recommend trauma focused CBT and EMDR for children, adolescents and adults with PTSD, and the 2023 VA and Department of Defense PTSD guideline recommends EMDR, prolonged exposure or cognitive processing therapy. Research continues, and what works best depends on the person.

EMDR was first developed for PTSD and is also used for complex trauma, childhood trauma, anxiety, panic and grief. It is not right for everyone or for every concern. In your free discovery session we talk about what you are facing and whether EMDR is a good fit.

Sessions are 60 minutes. We begin with your history and preparation, so you have tools to feel steady. Then we work on one memory at a time, check in on how it feels, and close each session with care. The number of sessions varies with your history and goals, so we give you an idea after the history and preparation phase.

No. The World Health Organization describes EMDR as different from trauma focused CBT because it does not involve detailed descriptions of the event, direct challenging of beliefs, extended exposure or homework. You bring the memory to mind, you decide how much to share, and we go at a pace that feels manageable.

No. EMDR does not erase memories. You keep the memory and your story. The aim is to help it feel less distressing when you think about it. Experiences vary from person to person.

EMDR can bring up strong feelings during and between sessions. That is why we start with preparation and coping tools, work at your pace, and ask about your health history first. EMDR should be offered by a properly trained and licensed clinician. Leidy Quispe, LPC, ACS, is an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™. Not for emergencies: call 911, or call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Both are recommended for PTSD in major guidelines, and they work differently. Talk therapy and CBT focus on understanding and changing thoughts and behaviors through conversation. EMDR focuses on processing the memory itself with guided back and forth stimulation and, according to the WHO, does not rely on detailed retelling, challenging beliefs, extended exposure or homework.

Leidy usually provides EMDR in person in Rochelle Park and sometimes by telehealth, for clients located in New Jersey. We cannot offer telehealth to clients located in New York. EMDRIA does not support do it yourself EMDR, so we do not recommend trying it on your own. EMDR is available in English and Spanish. Terapia EMDR disponible en español.

We are an out of network practice. Our team handles your insurance claims for you, and payment plans are available. Coverage varies by plan and depends on details like your deductible, and we do not promise reimbursement amounts. FSA cards are accepted, and private pay is always an option. You receive a Personalized Financial Roadmap before your first session, and the first conversation is a free discovery session of about 15 minutes. Learn more about our Insurance Concierge.