What is EMDR?
EMDR is a powerful, innovative therapy designed to help individuals heal from the symptoms and emotional pain caused by distressing life experiences. By integrating elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with bilateral stimulation, EMDR facilitates healing and adaptive processing of traumatic memories.
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.
How Does EMDR Work?
During an EMDR session, clients are guided to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This may involve following the therapist's hand movements with their eyes, listening to alternating tones, or tactile stimulation. These bilateral stimuli help to activate both hemispheres of the brain, facilitating the processing and integration of traumatic or distressing experiences.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Repeated studies show that by using EMDR, 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. Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes.
EMDR can help with trauma resolution, reducing the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, phobia, and depression. It can also help with improving self-esteem and enhancing emotional regulation.
