In practice directed eye movement and other rhythmic stimulation directed by the psychotherapist play less of a role in this method of psychotherapy than its name implies. EMDR integrates these techniques with several other procedures, including psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral and other techniques, based on a theory that this facilitates access to the information systems of the brain to treat mental disorders and symptoms, especially posttraumatic stress disorder.
Find more information about EMDR at GoodTherapy.org.