What is EMDR Therapy?
Francine Shapiro began developing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) in 1987 and conducted the first controlled research in 1989; since then, there are a multitude of randomized and non-randomized studies showing the effectiveness of the model.
EMDR is a model of psychotherapy that assists people in healing from the negative effects of disturbing life experiences. Disturbing life experiences can be acute, such as a car accident or unexpected loss of a loved one, or can be chronic, such as childhood neglect or abuse.
The negative effects of these experiences could result in distressing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, panic, negative self-talk, and/or addictive patterns. It can also create emotional distress such as unresolved grief, depression, destructive anger, and/or low self-esteem.
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EMDR Therapy is adapted to work with children, couples, adults, and groups. EMDR Therapy also assists people in healing from the negative effects of small scale and large scale man-made and environmental disasters.
“An information-processing system (EMDR) that is intrinsic and adaptive…is configured to process the information and restore mental health much of the same way the rest of the body is geared physiologically to heal when injured.”
~ Shapiro, 2018
Trained EMDR Therapists utilize clear procedures to assist client’s natural healing process and help clients finally resolve the symptoms and emotional distresses they’ve experienced from adverse life events. EMDR is recognized by American Psychological Association, Department of Defense and the World Health Organization as an evidence based practice. EMDR is now practiced by over 100,000 therapists world-wide.
How does EMDR Therapy Work?
The foundation of EMDR therapy is based on the fact that, given the right conditions, the brain and body are capable of healing from trauma and other distressing life events. If we have a wound, the body will naturally heal itself as long as it doesn’t become infected. If it is infected, with proper treatment, the body will naturally heal the wound.
If you think of a splinter that hasn’t been removed, an infection may occur. Once the splinter is removed, the body will naturally heal itself. Similarly, EMDR therapy can assist in the healing of unresolved emotional wounds; these wounds can ‘infect or effect’ the health of the mind and body. When this occurs the mind and body are not able to heal on their own. EMDR can support a return to a state of emotional well-being and health.
What is EMDR?
Once a client and therapist explore what the client’s goal(s) are, the therapist will work with the client to develop resources and skills to better manage stress.
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