What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an empirically validated psychotherapeutic intervention used to treat the adverse effects of traumatic experiences. By utilizing bilateral stimulation, EMDR activates the brain's natural adaptive information processing system allowing the brain to desensitize and reprocess and traumatic memories.
EMDR is helpful in treating:
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Single incident trauma
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Complex trauma
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PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Attachment issues
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Phobias
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Adjustment Disorders
What to expect starting EMDR therapy
Unlike traditional psychotherapy, EMDR is not a "talk therapy" based modality. Client and therapist will work together to create a target plan of memories and their corresponding negative beliefs and symptoms. Initial sessions will also include "resourcing" work where client and therapist will work to establish safety and effective grounding techniques. In "processing" sessions, client and therapist will work through the predetermined target plan using bilateral stimulation. Hand tappers and eye movements are most commonly used form of bilateral stimulation. Therapists will work with their clients to find the pace and bilateral stimulation that works best.
