What is emdr?

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization reprocessing and it is a therapy used to treat the symptoms created by trauma and other disturbing events. After a traumatic experience, our brain can heal on its own and as a result we can remember the event without feeling distress. However, there are times when for different reasons, our brain does not heal naturally from the trauma and we continue experiencing distress related to the memory of that traumatic event(s). We might find that we feel stuck in certain behavior patterns, negative belief patterns, or uncomfortable symptoms. While other therapy modalities might assist in decreasing some of the discomfort, they are not proven in healing the root of the symptoms like EMDR is. 

EMDR therapy has eight phases and is supported by research to be effective in healing the symptoms of trauma. You can access many of the research studies at emdria.org. Alternating eye movements are used in the desensitization phase and tapping or sound can be used as well. EMDR therapy is not hypnosis. With this therapy it is not necessary to discuss the traumatic event in detail. Some people prefer to not provide specific details about the event(s), while others find relief in telling the story just as it happened.  Healing can be achieved by following the eight phases with your therapist.  This process assists your brain in reprocessing and desensitizing the event allowing you to remember the experience without activating your body’s stress response. 

For more information about EMDR take a look at the following video created by EMDRIA (EMDR International Association). In addition, I recommend reading “Getting Past Your Past” By, Francine Shapiro.