Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a modality of therapy that uses the body’s own mechanism of consolidating memories, similar to REM sleep, to resolve past experiences that may trigger present-day dysfunctional emotions, beliefs and sensations. EMDR allows the brain to build new neuro networks associated with a traumatic event that are able to enhance and facilitate future adaptive behaviors and beliefs.
During treatment, “bilateral stimulation” using either eye movements or tapping allows a client to access past memories, present-day triggers, or anticipated future experiences and generate new insights/ associations that reduce emotional intensity and a shift to more positive beliefs. Clients are often able to achieve relief in a more accelerated timeline than is accomplished through traditional talk therapy alone. Yes, this works virtually as well.