What is EMDR?

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From the EMDR International Association:

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“Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. To date, EMDR therapy has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress.”

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Currently, EMDR is endorsed by the World Health Organization for the treatment of trauma.   Additionally, it is also used extensively for a variety of other issues including anxiety, fears and phobias, physical pain, loss, addictions, and low self-esteem. It is a neurobiological therapy that utilizes stimulation of both sides of the brain to help us heal and reprocess emotional pain.

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The research supporting EMDR is very compelling and supports its effectiveness. As a therapist, I have loved using EMDR in my office. I can often see the shift occur before my eyes. Someone may come in feeling like they are constantly re-experiencing the trauma or negative thought and after EMDR has been completed, they feel a new sense of vitality, like a weight has been lifted and are no longer carrying their unwanted load. In many ways, EMDR is like a full body healing, allowing you to release the trauma from your body and let go of the negative burden of associations.

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Even infants have benefitted from EMDR following their traumatic birth, NICU experience, separation from a parent, in preparation for a complex medical procedure or following a complex medical procedure.

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To illustrate how EMDR works, you can watch the clip below: