EMDR and Trauma: How Experience Becomes an Opportunity for Healing

EMDR & Tραύμα

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy method developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987.

In EMDR, the client focuses on traumatic memories while simultaneously receiving bilateral stimuli — such as eye movements, rhythmic tapping, or sounds alternating between headphones.

How does the treatment work?

The therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, according to which traumatic experiences remain “trapped” in the nervous system and disrupt the natural processing process. EMDR helps to re-integrate these memories into the flow of healthy processing and relieve emotional burdens. In addition, certain neurophysiological mechanisms, such as the simulation of REM sleep, may contribute to the discharge of emotional reactions.

Why is EMDR particularly effective?

Modern studies and guidelines from international organizations recognize EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends it with moderate-high quality evidence.

• The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends it with reservations as possibly effective for adults with PTSD.

• The US Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense describes it as a “powerful” treatment option.

• Meta-analyses confirm that its effectiveness is comparable to other targeted psychotherapies, such as TF-CBT.

  
  

What does an EMDR session involve?

EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol:

1. Background & Planning – assessment of readiness and goal.

2. Relief & Coping Strategies – pre-therapeutic stabilization.3–6. Trauma Exploration, Bilateral Stimuli & Re-Processing – focus on memory, negative beliefs & feelings.

3. Closing – recording the experience, reinforcing positive changes.

4. Progress evaluation in subsequent sessions .

   
   

A session usually lasts between 60–90 minutes, is usually held once a week, and the total number of sessions ranges from 6 to 12, depending on the degree of trauma.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

EMDR has been used successfully for people with:

• PTSD

• Anxiety , phobias , depression , panic attacks

Restrictions and precautions

EMDR is not suitable for everyone—it requires emotional stability and the resilience to deal with intense memories that may emerge during therapy. Furthermore, there is criticism of the idea that bilateral stimuli themselves (e.g., eye movements) add value beyond existing therapeutic dynamics (e.g., exposure, behavioral therapy), with some researchers characterizing EMDR as “purple hat therapy.”

Why choose EMDR at NooSpot – Glyfada?

• Scientific evidence : At NooSpot, we offer EMDR as a recognized, effective therapy for trauma and anxiety disorders.

• Holistic approach : In combination with other scientifically proven methods such as CBT, neurofeedback (NeurOptimal®), and metabolic support, we formulate personalized therapeutic pathways.

• Personal care : Each client receives personalized support – from preparation to progress assessment to completion of EMDR.

  
  

Final thoughts

EMDR is not just a new trend—it is a scientifically-backed tool that has helped thousands of people break free from their past and create new, healthier paths. At NooSpot, in the heart of Glyfada, we invite you to explore it with safety, trust, and knowledge.