Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, therapy is a proven effective treatment for trauma and other mental health conditions. It involves helping the brain to reprocess trapped memories.
How does it work?
It works by using a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate the bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as Rapid Eye Movement or REM sleep. This portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes recent events in a person’s life.
EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR Institute, Inc.
What does EMDR help?
EMDR was originally established as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It has since also been proven useful in treating the following conditions:
- Panic Attacks
- Complicated Grief
- Dissociative Orders
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Pain Disorders
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Stress Reduction
- Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders
- Personality Disorders
None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?
You may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy if:
- you are experiencing distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation
- you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers
- you have one or more dysfunctional beliefs about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true
We want to help you get your life back on track. We want you to feel good again. You can move forward healthier and happier.