EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is a structured, evidence-based therapy technique designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression, among others. What makes EMDR Therapy different from traditional “talk therapy”, is the utilization of BLS (bilateral stimulation) such as eye-movements or tapping. This helps the brain naturally reprocess distressing memories, ultimately reducing emotional and physiological distress.
How does it help with complex trauma?
Complex trauma often leaves our nervous system in a state of hyperarousal. During trauma, the brain’s information processing system becomes overwhelmed, which can lead to memories being incorrectly stored. EMDR Therapy helps to re-engage the brain’s natural healing abilities. Remember… the brain wants to return to a state of good mental health. By focusing on a specific traumatic memory while experiencing BLS, the intensity of the memory lessens. Over time, the memory is successfully moved from where it has been incorrectly stored to where it belongs. This allows the memory to exist without the physical and/or emotional distress associated with it.
What conditions can be treated?
EMDR Therapy has proved effective with many conditions and symptoms. Although it has been most associated with veterans and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, this therapy can benefit those who have experienced childhood trauma; suffer from anxiety disorders and phobias; are living with grief, complicated loss, and life transitions as well as benefit those struggling with substance use disorders.