Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and is a researched therapy, proven effective for the treatment of Trauma & PTSD.  EMDR is also used to treat a number of other conditions including anxiety, panic, phobias, nightmares and future fears.  I have found EMDR to be a successful therapy tool when it comes to processing trauma and other levels of emotional disturbance.

The most common question is how does it work?

EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during REM sleep. By facilitating directional movement of the eyes or other form of dual attention stimulation such as audio tones or physical pulsation device (hand pulsars), while addressing the traumatic memory, this therapy helps your brain to digest and store the traumatic material in a new way that is less distressing.  

I would recommend watching the video if you would like to learn more about how the process works and what to expect with online EMDR.

Following successful EMDR therapy, you no longer re-live the images, sounds and feelings when the traumatic event is brought to mind.  You will still remember the event, but not in an emotionally disturbing way.