EMDR

EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING

WHAT IS IT?
Developed in 1987 by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR is a novel process using lateral eye movements (or other forms of dual attention focus) to create therapeutic change for people. It has been suggested that EMDR activates the mechanism operating during REM sleep.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
EMDR reduces or eliminates emotional distress and negative thinking linked to memories of specific events or people. It usually works quickly and thoroughly. For most people, 1-3 EMDR sessions will relieve most or all of the distress from one specific incident. In addition, there are one or more intake sessions prior to EMDR.

HOW DOES WORKING WITH MEMORIES HELP WITH LIFE NOW?
Past events give emotional meaning to present events. For instance, an adult screamed at as a child may perceive danger in conflict, feeling fear and discomfort even when there is no danger in the current situation. Using EMDR to process the experience of being screamed at will 1) diminish the disturbing feelings attached to the memory and 2) reduce the exaggerated impression of danger that arises in later conflicts. The person is then more relaxed in general and able to be more comfortable and effective with people.

WHAT IS EMDR LIKE?
Individual experiences of EMDR vary. Generally, as the process begins, one becomes more aware of the event or distressing response. As the session continues, the distressing feelings and thoughts fade, often completely and new insights emerge.

WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS DOES EMDR HELP?
For most people, EMDR will do the following: