What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy that uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate the bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep, and this portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in the person’s life.
EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas or childhood abuse and/or neglect. Clients who have utilized EMDR often report greater feelings of peace and calm, even when revisiting memories of traumatic/painful experiences; EMDR seems to help clients differentiate between the “then” of the trauma and the present. The effectiveness of EMDR has been shown to be long-lasting, which is especially beneficial for clients. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR Institute, Inc.
What does EMDR help?
EMDR had been originally established as helpful for PTSD, although it’s been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Panic Attacks
- Complicated Grief
- Dissociative Disorders
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Pain Disorders
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Stress Reduction
- Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders
None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?
There may be other scenarios in which EMDR could be beneficial. If you are interested in this specific therapy, please let me know, and we can discuss whether you would be a good candidate.