EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that seems to enable the body’s natural healing system.  When something overwhelming happens to the body, it stores that information for protection in the future.  Sometimes this is useful.  However, sometimes the information gets “stuck” in overwhelm mode which causes us unnecessary pain and suffering. 

​

Even negative messages from our past experiences such as “I’m a failure”, “I’m not safe”, I’m not good enough”, etc. can stay with us even when that experience is long over.  These negative messages can cause relationship problems, impede our success, and can lead to and/or exacerbate anxiety and depression. 

​

Eye movements or other bilateral stimulation can be used to aid the body’s natural healing processes.  A target memory is chosen and the emotional response is “reprocessed” by the client.  The results for a successful EMDR session may be a replacement of the negative thoughts and emotions associated with the memory with positive or neutral thoughts and emotions.  The memory no longer “triggers” the client with an alarming emotional response.

​

According to the EMDR Institute, “There has been so much research on EMDR therapy that it is now recognized as an effective form of treatment for trauma and other disturbing experiences by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization and the Department of Defense.”  

​

A full description of the theory, treatment, and research can be found in F. Shapiro (2001) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing:  Basic principles, protocols and procedures (2nd edition) New York: Guilford Press.