EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach for treating trauma that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they become less vivid and emotionally charged; during sessions, a therapist guides the client to recall traumatic images, thoughts, and sensations while using bilateral stimulation—typically side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds—which appears to facilitate natural information processing and integration, allowing the client to form new, adaptive beliefs and reduce symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and intense emotional reactivity; the therapist also prepares and supports the client with stabilization skills, tailors the pace to safety and readiness, and focuses on both the target memories and related negative beliefs so healing is gradual, measurable, and often leads to lasting relief.