What exactly is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy typically uses eye movements or tapping in order to replicate the kind of emotional processing that happens during REM sleep. This can help reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and associated negative emotions and beliefs. Backed up by research, EMDR is a highly structured process that feels very different than traditional talk therapy.
From the EMDR International Association: “EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.”
Is EMDR for me?
It is important to note that although EMDR can be a profound experience, producing significant changes in a relatively short amount of time, it may not be the right treatment option for everyone. EMDR is a highly structured process most useful for working with singular traumatic experiences, rather than prolonged or complex trauma. Some people might find the rapid eye movements disorienting, the therapy too intense, or prefer a style of therapy where they can express themselves more freely.
I am able to provide EMDR as a focused treatment, or as part of a longer therapeutic process.
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