EMDR uses rapid sets of eye movements or bilateral stimulation to help you update disturbing experiences so they are more tolerable. When we sleep, we experience REM (rapid eye movement). It is during this sleep pattern that we process things that are troubling. EMDR replicates this sleep pattern by alternating between sets of eye movements or bilateral stimulation and brief reports about what you are noticing. This alternating process helps you update your memories to a healthier present perspective and remove the intensity around the memories you have.