For instance, when there is a cut on the hand, our body works to heal the wound. When foreign objects irritate the wound it causes pain. However once the foreign object is removed, healing resumes. EMDR proves that the mind/mental processes heals in a similar sequence. If the mental system results in an imbalance due to the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and causes suffering. With the use of detailed protocols and procedures, EMDR therapy helps clients to resume their natural healing processes.

In comparison to other forms of therapies that include altering emotions, thoughts, and responses that result from traumatic experience, EMDR largely focuses on the memory of the traumatic event and intends to change how the memory is stored. This ultimately reduces and eliminates problematic symptoms.