EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a psychotherapy approach primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and is also used to treat anxiety, depression, phobias and other emotional problems. EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, and involves a structured eight-phase process that incorporates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, taps, or sounds).
The goal of EMDR is to help individuals process distressing memories and beliefs associated with traumatic experiences. During a session, the therapist guides the client to recall distressing memories while simultaneously stimulating bilateral sensory input ie. something you can see, hear or touch, that occurs in a moving side-to-side pattern, such as moving your eye back and forth. This process is believed to facilitate the brain’s natural healing mechanisms, enabling the traumatic memories to be reprocessed and integrated into a less distressing form. It is believed that the same process happens during REM sleep.
EMDR has been researched extensively and has shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. It is considered one of the evidence-based treatments for trauma and is practiced by Registered Clinical Counsellors and Psychotherapist who have received specialized training in EMDR therapy.
Both adults and children can benefit from EMDR. If you are interested in learning more about EMDR please send an email to admin@achievebalancecounselling.com, and we can help you decide if EMDR might be right for you or your child.