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Approach
EMDR uses a structured eight-phase approach to address the past, present, and future aspects of a traumatic or distressing memory that has been dysfunctionally stored. The therapy process and procedures are according to Shapiro.

During the processing phases of EMDR, the client focuses on the disturbing memory in multiple brief sets of about 15–30 seconds. Simultaneously, the client focuses on the dual attention stimulus, which consist on focusing on the trauma, while the clinicians initiates lateral eye movement. Following each set, the client is asked what associative information was elicited during the procedure. This new material usually becomes the focus of the next set. This process of personal association is repeated many times during the session.

Although EMDR is established as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD there are two main perspectives on EMDR therapy. First, Shapiro proposed that although a number of different processes underlie EMDR, the eye movements add to the therapy's effectiveness by evoking neurological and physiological changes that may aid in the processing of the trauma memories being treated. The other perspective is that the eye movements are an unnecessary epiphenomenon, and that EMDR is simply a form of desensitization.

EMDR treatment consists of 8 phases and each phase has its precise intentions.