Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. It is a structured process that uses the experiencing of bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), in a way that facilitates a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with traumatic memories. 

Stress responses during distressing experiences are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains after the incident has passed, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of overwhelm, of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.