History of EMDR: what type of therapy it is and how it helps to process trauma

EMDR is one of the most fashionable psychological therapies, with data on its effectiveness for the treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress. At CALMA Psicólogos, we use EMDR therapy in Fuengirola and Mijas as a specialised tool to help people reprocess painful experiences, reduce emotional distress, and regain psychological balance.

Although many people have heard of EMDR in recent years, doubts still remain about how this therapy actually works and what benefits it can offer.

History of EMDR therapy

The EMDR method is relatively recent within modern clinical psychology. Here are some of its main milestones:

1987: Francine Shapiro discovers the effect of eye movements on disturbing memories.
1989: the first scientific study on EMDR is published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress.
1990: It is verified that other forms of bilateral stimulation are also effective.
2013: The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.

Currently, EMDR is supported by multiple scientific studies and international organisations like the WHO and the American Psychological Association (APA).

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The historical foundations of EMDR

From its inception, EMDR was founded on a revolutionary premise for its time: Trauma is stored dysfunctionally in memory. According to Shapiro's theory, a traumatic event is not processed like an ordinary experience, but rather remains «frozen» within neural networks, along with:

The perceptions vivid during the event
The emotions intense partnerships
The physical sensations experienced
The Disturbing cognitions Negative self-talk

This «frozen» information remains isolated from other useful memory networks, preventing the brain from adaptively integrating it. As a result, the traumatic memory continues to trigger chronic distress, contributing to the development of PTSD and other psychological disorders related to trauma.

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EMDR therapist in Mijas psychological therapy

Evolution of EMDR: from experimental technique to validated therapy

The history of EMDR has been marked by intense scientific debate. In its early years, many mental health professionals met this new approach with scepticism. However, decades of research have transformed EMDR into one of the The most studied and recommended therapies for the treatment of trauma

1990sEarly controlled studies demonstrating the efficacy of EMDR in patients with PTSD
2004The WHO (World Health Organization) include EMDR as a recommended treatment for PTSD in adults
2013The American Psychiatric Association recognises EMDR as a valid therapy for PTSD
2018The Ministry of Health of Spain Include EMDR in the clinical practice guideline for the management of PTSD

Nowadays, EMDR is recognised by international organisations such as the The APA, the WHO, the US Department of Defense, and the UK's NICE as an evidence-based intervention for trauma.

Why do the scars of trauma not disappear on their own?

One of the most important lessons from the history of EMDR is that psychological wounds do not heal simply with the passage of time. Many people continue to suffer from trauma symptoms even after decades, which severely affects their well-being and makes it difficult to rebuild a fulfilling life. This happens precisely because traumatic information remains «frozen» and unprocessed in the nervous system.

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Early diagnosis: the key to effective treatment with EMDR

Identifying the symptoms early on is crucial. A post-traumatic stress test (such as the PCL-5 or CAPS-5), combined with a thorough clinical evaluation, allows for the detection of PTSD and assessment of whether EMDR is the most suitable therapeutic option. The sooner an accurate diagnosis is established, the greater the chances of success with this therapy.

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Brain diagram showing amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex in EMDR therapy

How does EMDR work?

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping—to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories.

During the session, the person connects with a concrete experience while the brain activates natural emotional integration mechanisms.

The aim is not to erase the memory, but to reduce its emotional intensity so that it no longer dictates the present.

Objectives of EMDR in psychological therapy

EMDR therapy aims to restore adaptive information processing and promote new, more functional neural connections.

Among its main objectives are:

to alleviate emotional suffering
Reduce traumatic symptoms
reduce physiological activation
transform negative beliefs
improve emotional regulation
to foster a healthier self-perception

Many people describe the process as “removing emotional weight” from certain memories.

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The EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy works on the brain by stimulating the brain's natural healing process.

Phases of EMDR therapy

EMDR therapy follows a structured protocol made up of different phases.

1. Evaluation and planning

The psychologist gathers information on personal history, identifies traumatic memories, and establishes therapeutic goals.

2. Emotional preparation

Before working on trauma, psychological resources are developed to improve emotional regulation and generate a sense of safety.

3. Identification of the memory

A specific experience is selected and explored:

associated images
emotions
negative thoughts
physical sensations

4. Desensitisation

Through bilateral stimulation, the brain begins to reprocess the traumatic experience.

5. Installation of positive beliefs

More adaptive and healthy thoughts about oneself are strengthened.

6. Body Scan

Possible residual physical tensions associated with recollection are reviewed.

7. Closing and stabilising

Each session concludes with techniques aimed at restoring emotional balance.

8. Re-evaluation

In subsequent sessions, progress is assessed and it is determined whether it is necessary to continue working on other memories.

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Eye movements and bilateral stimulation in EMDR psychological treatment

The PAI model and the neuropsychological basis of EMDR

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which explains how the brain integrates experienced events.

When a traumatic event is not processed correctly, the information becomes “stuck” in neural networks and continues to cause distress long afterwards.

EMDR facilitates the more adaptive integration of this information, reducing the negative emotional burden associated with the memory.

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What problems can EMDR be used for?

Although initially developed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nowadays EMDR is also used for other psychological problems (we have left you some links in the list if you wish to expand your knowledge) such as:

anxiety
depression
panic attacks
phobias
Tricky duel
childhood trauma
psychological violence
Bullying
traumatic ruptures
Low self-esteem
Addictions
eating disorders
Chronic pain

At CALMA Psicólogos, we use EMDR therapy in Fuengirola and Mijas, always adapting the treatment to the individual needs of each person.

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How long does EMDR therapy last?

The duration of the treatment depends on various factors:

the complexity of trauma
number of traumatic experiences
Emotional stability
presence of other psychological disorders
personal resources and social support

In some cases, significant improvements can be observed in just a few sessions, while complex traumas require longer processes.

Benefits of EMDR therapy

EMDR therapy can provide significant benefits for emotional and psychological well-being:

anxiety reduction
Less emotional reactivity
Improving self-esteem
Relief from physical discomfort associated with trauma
A greater sense of control
reduction of post-traumatic stress symptoms
Healthy integration of painful memories

The importance of asking for professional help

Many people live with traumatic experiences for years without understanding how they continue to affect their present. Trauma doesn't always go away on its own and can sometimes interfere with relationships, sleep, self-esteem, or emotional regulation.

Seeking specialised psychological help can be an important step towards regaining well-being and quality of life.

At CALMA Psicólogos, we provide EMDR therapy in Fuengirola and Mijas with a friendly, personalised, and scientifically evidenced approach.

Contact Calma Psychologists

Post written by Samara Valenzuela

If, after reading this entry, you think you might need to seek evaluation to see if you require EMDR therapy, and you would like to learn more about the professionals who offer it at CALMA PSICOLOGOS, please do not hesitate to CLICK.

Contact for EMDR therapy

Bibliographical References

World Health Organization (WHO). (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress.
Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye Movement Desensitisation: A New Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress.
American Psychological Association (APA). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD.
Francine Shapiro. Moving Past Your Past.
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).

Quick read to expand information on EMDR and/or related topics:

What is TRAUMA? https://calmapsicologos.com/es/que-es-un-trauma/
Therapy service EMDR at Calma Psicólogos
Treatment for the Calm Duel Psychologists

History of EMDR