What is EMDR?

Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that helps the client heal from symptoms and emotional distress that are a result from disturbing life experiences. EMDR attends to past experiences, current triggers of emotions and beliefs, and positive experiences needed to enhance future behavior.

 

How does it work?

When a person experiences a disturbing life event the brain can store the information about the experience in a way that it becomes blocked or stuck. When the system is blocked by the impact of a disturbing event, it can cause intense suffering. A person may experience flashbacks, sounds, feelings, or body sensation when the event is brought to mind. EMDR can help the brain process the information so that the block is removed and natural healing can occur. Following a successful EMDR session, a person is able to see the disturbing material in a new and less disturbing way.

 

What Kind of Issues can EMDR treat?

  • Grief and loss
  • Panic attacks
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Phobias
  • Performance anxiety
  • Stress reduction
  • Sexual and/or physical abuse
  • PTSD and traumatic experiences
  • Disturbing memories
  • Eating disorders