Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress which are the result of disturbing life experiences.   It also focuses on current situations that cause distress, and to developing the skills and attitudes needed for positive future actions.  Unlike talk therapy, the insights clients gain in EMDR therapy result not so much from clinician interpretation, but from the client’s own accelerated intellectual and emotional processes. 

EMDR therapy is based on an understanding that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.  The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health.  If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering.  Once the block is removed, healing resumes.  Using the detailed protocols and procedures clinicians help clients active their natural healing processes.

EMDR therapy involves attention to three time periods:  the past, present, and future.  Focus is given to past disturbing memories and related events.  Also, it is given to current situations that cause distress, and to developing the skills and attitudes needed for positive future actions.  With EMDR therapy, these items are addressed using an eight-phase treatment approach.

(EMDR Institute, Inc.)

If you believe you would benefit from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.