EMDR therapy is characterized by which of the following features?

• A. Bilateral stimulation such as eye movements
• B. Prolonged exposure without processing
• C. Group therapy format
• D. Pharmacologic sedation

Answer: (A)

EMDR therapy centers on bilateral stimulation paired with the recall of a traumatic memory to promote processing and integration. During a session, the client vividly reexperiences the distressing memory while the therapist provides bilateral cues—most commonly guided eye movements, but taps or auditory tones can also be used. This dual-attention process is designed to engage neural networks involved in processing and to facilitate desensitization and the installation of more adaptive beliefs about the memory. EMDR is a structured, one-on-one psychotherapy approach focused on processing, not merely exposure or pharmacologic intervention. It differs from prolonged exposure that lacks the specific bilateral stimulation and processing framework, and it is not conducted as group therapy or with routine pharmacologic sedation.