What is EMDR Therapy?
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. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep. This portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes recent events in a person’s life. By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the traumatic memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. In addition to assisting with the processing of trauma-related memories, therapists also use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as a result of relational trauma or childhood abuse/neglect. For a more detailed explanation, please visit the following links: EMDR Institute; EMDR International Association.
What problems can EMDR address?
While EMDR was originally used to treat PTSD, it has also been proven useful in treating the following conditions:
• Panic Attacks
• Complicated Grief
• Dissociative Disorders
• Disturbing Memories
• Phobias
• Performance Anxiety
• Addictions
• Stress Reduction
• Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
• Body Dysmorphic Disorders
• Personality Disorders
Can EMDR help you even if none of the above symptoms fit you?
If you find that you tend to experience distressing emotions that seem out of proportion to the situations you are facing, EMDR might be able to help you. EMDR is useful for those who tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers or those who have one or more dysfunctional beliefs about themselves that they have not been able to change using other approaches. If any of these describe you, you may be a good candidate for EMDR therapy. Contact one of our trained EMDR counselors to discuss how EMDR might be able to help you.