Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) involves the patient focusing their attention on images, thoughts or sensations associated with traumatic memories while simultaneously also focusing on an external stimulus. The external stimulus is most commonly clinician-directed lateral eye movements, although bilateral tactile tapping or auditory stimulation may also be used. Other components of treatment include replacing negative cognitions of the event with more adaptive ones, and relaxation techniques.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing Model, which postulates that memories formed during traumatic experiences are inadequately processed and when these are recalled, may trigger distressing physiological responses similar to those experienced during the traumatic event itself. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy is believed to result in the traumatic memory being reprocessed into wider memory networks that are more adaptive and less distressing; however, the mechanisms for this process remain uncertain.