Trauma – EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals process and recover from trauma. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.

How EMDR Works

1. Bilateral Stimulation: EMDR involves the use of bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, but it can also include auditory tones or tactile taps. This process helps the brain process traumatic memories.
2. Memory Processing: During sessions, clients focus on traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This helps reduce the emotional charge of the memories and allows for healthier processing.
3. Adaptive Information Processing: EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain. By processing these memories, clients can integrate them into their broader life narrative, reducing distress.

EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression related to trauma, and many clients report quicker relief compared to traditional talk therapy. It addresses emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of trauma, providing a holistic approach to healing. Counselors may choose to use EMDR in various situations, particularly for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have experienced significant trauma. It is also useful for those with anxiety disorders linked to past trauma, clients with complex trauma involving multiple experiences, and individuals dealing with phobias or grief related to traumatic events.

I combine this approach to my therapy after a comprehensive assessment to help my clients in areas they feel stuck in, when talk therapy has had minimal results.