EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed in the late 1980s. It began with eye movement but later expanded to include other forms of "bilateral stimulation," moving from one side of the brain/body to the other.
It has been highly researched and it works for so many things. It is known for trauma, but trauma is how our bodies respond to events, and information is stored in our nervous system. I discussed that some here. EMDR is worth trying for so many mental health symptoms. I was trained in 2016 and have been a certified EMDR therapist since 2018. You can read more at EMDR International Association, as well as here.
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 trauma treatment. EMDR consists of standardized protocols that incorporate elements from various therapeutic approaches.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy method that employs a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate bilateral stimulation, which mimics the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep period during which the mind processes recent life events.
EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit the EMDR Institute, Inc.
What does EMDR help?
EMDR had been originally established as helpful for PTSD, although it’s been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:
- Panic Attacks
- Complicated Grief
- Dissociative Orders
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Pain Disorders
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Stress Reduction
- Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders
- Personality Disorders
None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?
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 beliefs that you believe about yourself that on an intellectual level you know are not true?
If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy. Contact me today for a free phone consultation to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.