Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of therapy used to relieve psychological stress and is recognised as a first line treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
During therapy sessions you are supported to recall a traumatic event and at the same time receive bilateral stimulation. This means receiving stimuli in a rhythmic left-right pattern. The stimuli can be something you hear, see or feel. For example, bilateral stimulation could involve moving your eyes from side to side, tapping movements on different sides of your body or tones you hear through one ear then the other wearing headphones
EMDR is thought to be effective because recalling distressing events is often less emotionally upsetting when your attention is diverted. This allows you to be exposed to the memories or thoughts without having a strong psychological response.