What is EMDR?
EMDR( Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy to address trauma and other unprocessed memories that may be having an impact on a person’s present day functioning. This impact may be in the form of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or generally in the way that a person views themselves. These memories can implicitly and explicitly impact present day emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and overall functioning.
EMDR uses lateral eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (BLS – stimuli that alternates between the left and right sides of the body) to assist in reprocessing and integrating information with the disturbing memories so that they no longer are upsetting and emotionally charged. EMDR is using a similar mechanism that the body naturally uses during sleep to process information – the REM cycle or Rapid Eye Movement cycle of sleep.
EMDR Can Help Treat…
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Chronic Illness and medical issues
- Depression and bipolar disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Pain
- Performance Personality disorders
- PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
- Sexual assault
- Sleep disturbance
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Violence and abuse
8 PHASES of EMDR
EVIDENCED BASED TREATMENT
EMDR is well researched and identified by several organizations as a recommended treatment protocol; including, but not limited to The American Psychology Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs & Department of Defense.
WHAT MAKES EMDR DIFFERENT?
- EMDR does not involve talking extensively about the traumatic or upsetting memory
- EMDR does not involve homework
- EMDR does not focus on changing emotions, thoughts or behaviors, but rather allows the brain to resume it’s natural healing process
“The goal of EMDR therapy is to leave you with the emotions, understanding, and perspectives
that will lead to healthy and useful behaviors and interactions.”
– taken from EMDRIA.org