What is EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress caused by traumatic or disturbing life experiences.
How does it work
During EMDR therapy, the patient is asked to focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, usually through eye movements. This bilateral stimulation has been shown to reduce the intensity and the strong negative emotions associated with the memory of the trauma.
EMDR has been extensively researched and is scientifically proven to be effective in helping people recover from traumas, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy helps adults and children of all ages to address a wide range of challenges:
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other trauma
- Stress-related issues
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, performance anxiety, etc.
- Living with chronic Illness, pain, and other medical issues (e.g. tinnitus)
- Depression, bipolar and dissociative disorders
- ….and more
More about EMDR
EMDR technique was developed by an American clinical psychologist, Dr. Francine Shapiro, in the 1980s. EMDR has been empirically tested in multiple professionally controlled studies with trauma patients. It was proven to work very well provided it is conducted by professional EMDR therapists who follow strictly the latest EMDR protocol.
Readings
- EMDR Institute, Inc.
- EMDR International Association
- Francine Shapiro Library
- Interview with Francine Shapiro the originator of EMDR
More Readings
- The American Psychiatric Association,
- The American Psychological Association,
- The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies,
- National Alliance on Mental Illness,
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
- The U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence,
- The U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs/Dept. of Defense,
- The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,
- The World Health Organization