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What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy originally developed to treat PTSD. It helps the brain reprocess distressing memories or experiences that are “stuck,” so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions. During EMDR, the client briefly focuses on a memory, image, sensation, or belief while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or tones). This process helps the brain re-store the experience in a more adaptive way—similar to how memories are processed during REM sleep. The goal is not to erase memories, but to reduce the emotional charge and shift unhelpful beliefs (e.g., “I’m unsafe” → “I can handle this”).

How EMDR Is Used to Treat OCD

It’s important to be clear: EMDR is not a stand-alone treatment for OCD, and it does not replace ERP. However, when used correctly by an OCD-trained clinician, EMDR can be a powerful adjunct to OCD treatment

​EMDR can help with:

1. Processing experiences that sensitized the nervous system

Many people with OCD can identify:

  • A medical scare

  • A panic episode

  • A sudden intrusive thought that felt shocking

  • A time when responsibility or fear became “wired in”

EMDR can target these origin or “learning” moments that made the OCD feel urgent, dangerous, or uncontrollable.

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2. Somatic OCD / Physical sensations

For clients with:

  • Hyperawareness of bodily sensations

  • Breathing, swallowing, blinking, or heart-focused OCD

  • “Something feels wrong” sensations

EMDR can target the body memory and reduce the intensity of the physical alarm signal—making ERP much more tolerable.

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3. Fear conditioning that blocks ERP

Some clients are:

  • Intellectually motivated for ERP

  • But physiologically overwhelmed or flooded

EMDR can lower baseline reactivity so ERP feels challenging but doable, rather than impossible.

 

4. Core beliefs that OCD latches onto

EMDR may target beliefs like:

  • “I am dangerous”

  • “I am responsible for harm”

  • “I can’t tolerate uncertainty”

  • “If I feel anxious, something is wrong”

Reducing the emotional weight of these beliefs helps ERP and I-CBT work more effectively.

​What EMDR Does Not Do for OCD

  • It does not eliminate intrusive thoughts

  • It does not replace ERP or I-CBT

  •  It should not be used to reassure or neutralize fears

 

Used incorrectly, EMDR can actually become a covert compulsion, which is why OCD-specific training is critical.

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