Eye Movement Desensitization
and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR International Association defines Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an

extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method and a “structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories”.

 

EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue.  Rather, EMDR therapy helps the brain process disturbing memories, reducing the emotional charge so that normal healing can resume.

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Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help.  When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.  This allows the brain to be strengthened and ‘rewired’ with new adaptive information, allowing positive supportive beliefs to take the place of negative beliefs that were once engrained.