EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation (BLS) usually in the form of eye movements, tapping or auditory tones in order to accelerate the brain’s capacity to process and heal a troubling memory, thought, feeling, or phobia. BLS stimulates the same eye movements which occur during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) or dream sleep. BLS causes two parts of the brain to work in conjunction in order to reintegrate a memory. Some clients can experience relief or positive effects in just a few sessions and others need more sessions. EMDR is effective in treating trauma-related symptoms, whether the traumatic event occurred many years ago or yesterday. Research has demonstrated that EMDR is effective for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual and physical abuse, disturbing memories, complicated grief and chronic pain.

Aspects of EMDR are rooted in indigenous medicine as listed below:

Mindfulness - which pre-dates the founding of any formal religion and can be traced back to the healing origins of India

Bilateral Stimulation - seen in indigenous medicine and healing practices throughout the world, harnessing the power of dancing, singing, storytelling, silence, and drumming

Dr. Francine Shapiro is credited as the founder of EMDR Therapy.

For additional reading on EMDR, visit https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/