What is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy?
EMDR is a type of therapy that encourages the person to focus on the trauma memory while at the same time experiencing bilateral stimulation (eye movements), which helps to reduce the intensity and emotion associated with the trauma memories. EMDR therapy is a highly researched, widely effective method proven to help people recover from a variety of traumas, triggers, and PTSD symptoms. EMDR therapy is also proven by research results to also help treat for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.
What makes EMDR therapy different from other therapies?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the problems, concerns, or symptoms throughout the sessions. EMDR therapy does not focus on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors but rather allows the brain to resume its natural healing process during a REM state while being awake. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain due to how one could not process the traumatic event as it was happening in that moment. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies. EMDR therapy helps children, adolescents, and adults of all ages.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
Therapists use EMDR therapy to address a wide range of challenges:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Chronic Illness and medical issues
- Depression and bipolar disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Pain
- Performance anxiety
- Personality disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues
- Sexual assault
- Sleep disturbance
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Violence and abuse
