What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy approach that was originally developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. EMDR is primarily used to treat symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it has also been found to be effective in addressing a range of other mental health concerns.

How does EMDR work?

The key feature of EMDR therapy is the use of bilateral stimulation, which can include side-to-side eye movements, tactile stimulation, or auditory tones. During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in these forms of bilateral stimulation. This process is believed to help the individual process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.

EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can get "stuck" in the brain, preventing the natural healing process from taking place. By engaging in bilateral stimulation while recalling traumatic memories, the therapy aims to help the individual reprocess these memories, allowing them to integrate the traumatic experience into their larger memory network in a less distressing way.

In addition to addressing PTSD and trauma-related symptoms, EMDR has been used to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, and other issues. It is considered an evidence-based treatment, and numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing the symptoms associated with trauma and other mental health conditions.

EMDR is typically conducted by licensed mental health professionals who have received specialized training in the approach. The therapist works collaboratively with the client to identify target memories or experiences to be processed and provides support throughout the reprocessing phases.

If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy. Contact me today for a free phone consultation to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.