What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative therapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporate elements from different treatment approaches.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy and uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists will often use eye movements, tapping, or sounds to facilitate the bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This  portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in a person’s life. EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories is such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process core beliefs that have developed over time from these life events. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR Institute, Inc.

Who would EMDR help?

EMDR had been originally established as helpful for PTSD, although it’s been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:

• Sexual Abuse
• Physical Abuse
• Panic Attacks
• Complicated Grief
• Disturbing Memories
• Phobias
• Pain Disorders
• Performance Anxiety
• Addiction

Could EMDR help if none of those relate to my situation?

Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there one or more dysfunctional belief that you believe about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true? If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy. Contact us today for a free phone consultation to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.