Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly evidence based form of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients process and heal from trauma or distressing life experiences. It was developed in the late 1980s by Psychologist Francine Shapiro.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is founded on scientific evidence that has shown that traumatic memories and experiences can get “stuck” in the brain and cause psychological, emotional and physiological distress and suffering. It uses bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) to help the brain reprocess these memories, as the patient learns to move from maladaptive material to adaptive material by “unplugging” the channels that become blocked over the course of one’s lifetime. Through desensitization and reprocessing techniques, EMDR will help to reduce pain and suffering in current and future life events.
Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes, and the number of sessions varies based on the individual and their goals.
How Does EMDR Help?
EMDR is especially effective for:
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Phobias
- Addictions
Who Endorses It? EMDR is widely endorsed by major health organizations, including World Health Organization (WHO), American Psychological Association (APA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE – UK)
