EMDR – eye movement desensitization and reprocessing – is a form of therapy that helps clients heal from past experiences.
EMDR therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro and was originally designed to treat trauma and PTSD symptoms. EMDR can be used in many ways and can both help process overwhelming negative experiences and strengthen internal resources. EMDR therapy helps the brain access its natural, adaptive healing process. It includes the use of bilateral stimulation (meaning stimulating both sides) in the form of alternating eye movements, pulses, taps or sounds.
EMDR is an eight-phase process. We begin by gathering a top-level history of painful or traumatic past experiences. The second phase involves resourcing, which helps our nervous system tolerate good emotions and can be healing in and of itself. This can include gathering positive memories, ‘installing’ protective or nurturing images, or imagining a calm, safe place. This phase allows you to use your imagination in creating internal resources, or coping strategies, that you can turn to outside of session. Phases three through eight involve the processing of painful or traumatic experiences. By the time a memory is ‘cleared’, it no longer feels disturbing.
To read more about how EMDR works, please visit the EMDR International Association website.
EMDR can be used to address:
Anxiety, panic attacks and phobias
Attachment-based wounds
Chronic Illness and medical issues
Depression
Grief and loss
Pain
PTSD, complex PTSD and other stress-related issues
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance