What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation,
which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the traumatic memory. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Virtual sessions have
successful outcomes when using right and left tapping to engage bilateral stimulation. Research supports positive clinical outcomes showing EMDR therapy
as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019).
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or
completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain.
EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies. It works best for one adult trauma but can be used for complex PTSD as well
(complex trauma from childhood).
Therapists use EMDR therapy to address a wide range of challenges
EMDR therapy can help children and adults of all ages with:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Chronic Illness and medical issues
- Depression and bipolar disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Pain
- Performance anxiety
- Personality disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues
- Sexual assault
- Sleep disturbance
- Violence and abuse
History of EMDR
In the late 1980s, Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., discovered a connection between eye movement and persistent upsetting memories. With this personal insight, she began what
became a lifelong study and development of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. We have now realized that tapping and many right and left movements
such as walking or running can also engage the bilateral stimulation of the brain and are highly effective with virtual EMDR sessions.
Most recently, the public acceptance of EMDR therapy was illustrated when Prince Harry reported that he engaged in EMDR therapy to treat trauma from his childhood.
Sandra Bullock also shared about using EMDR therapy to treat trauma from an at-home break-in.
In Conclusion
Working with an EMDR therapist is the first step to healing these traumatic events and returning to wholeness.
