EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful psychotherapy that facilitates the left brain-right brain integration of negative experiences.
EMDR is an evidenced-based approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. Although EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma and PTSD, EMDR therapy has helped millions of people relieve many different types of psychological stress.
Including the following:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Fear
- Depression
- Stress
- Phobias
- Eating Disorders
- Sleep problems
- Grief
- Relationship loss
- Addictions
- Self-esteem
Negative emotions, feelings and behaviors are generally caused by unresolved earlier experiences that are still bothering you and may be pushing you in the wrong direction. The goal of EMDR therapy is to process completely the experiences that are causing problems, and to integrate the new ones that are needed for full health.
EMDR uses a set of standardized protocols and integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities, including bi-lateral eye movements. By replicating the brain’s natural process during REM sleep, these eye movements help the brain in processing difficult memories that are still causing distress. “Processing” does not mean talking about it. “Processing” means setting up a learning state that will allow the experiences that are causing problems to be “digested” and stored appropriately in the brain. That means that what is useful from an experience will be learned, and stored with appropriate emotions in the brain, while inappropriate emotions, beliefs, and body sensations will be discarded.
The amount of time the complete treatment takes depends upon the history of the client. Complete treatment of the targets involves a three-pronged protocol (1-past memories, 2-present disturbance, 3-future actions) that is needed to fully alleviate symptoms and address the complete clinical picture.
EMDR can be most effective when incorporated into a 80-minute session. However, when necessary EMDR can be utilized in a 50-minute session.
Watch this animation for a simplified explanation of EMDR.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKrfH43srg8
For more information visit the EMDR website.