Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
EMDR ( eye movement desensitization reprocessing) is a technique developed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories and experiences. EMDR has been rigorously researched and shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, chronic pain, depression, grief and performance anxiety.
EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation, often in the form of eye movements or tapping, while a client briefly revisits a traumatic thought, feeling, memory or experience. EMDR assists in reprocessing these disturbing memories, associated sensory cues and connected negative beliefs and assists in reducing or neutralizing the emotional intensity.
After treatment, often the memories, experiences, thoughts and feelings appear at a distance, put away and no longer disturbing.
What is EMDR and how does it work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy designed to help people heal from the emotional distress and symptoms caused by disturbing life experiences and trauma. Developed in 1987 by psychologist Francine Shapiro, it is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions by major health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association
How Does EMDR Work
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This theory suggests that the brain has a natural mechanism for healing emotional and psychological stress, much like the body heals physical cuts and bruises.
However, when a person experiences severe trauma, the memory can overwhelm the brain's natural processing system. As a result, the memory becomes "unfixed" or improperly stored—retaining its raw emotional intensity, physical sensations, and negative self-beliefs.
