EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This type of psychotherapy was created to help individuals who have experienced trauma or other distressing life events, but it has been found effective to manage anxiety, phobias, OCD, chronic pain and a host of other conditions.  EMDR was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.

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During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements, taps, or sounds while the client focuses on a particular traumatic memory or negative thought. The goal is to help the client reprocess the memory and reduce the intensity of negative emotions associated with it.

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The underlying theory behind EMDR is that trauma and other negative experiences can get "stuck" in the brain's memory networks, leading to distressing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation are thought to help the brain reprocess the memory and move it from the emotional and physiological centers of the brain to the logical and rational centers.

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EMDR may not be appropriate for everyone, and it is important to work with a trained and licensed therapist to determine whether it is a good fit for your individual needs.