EMDR

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a powerful psychotherapy technique which has been very successful in helping people who suffer from trauma, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, post traumatic stress, and many other emotional problems as well as self-enhancement. Until recently, these conditions were difficult and time-consuming to treat.

EMDR is considered a breakthrough therapy because of its simplicity and the fact that it can bring quick and lasting relief for most types of emotional distress.

EMDR is the most effective and rapid method for healing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) as shown by extensive scientific research studies.

EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, right/ left eye movement, or tactile stimulation, which repeatedly activates the opposite sides of the brain, releasing emotional experiences that are “trapped” in the nervous system.

How do I know if EMDR is right for me?

During your initial consultation with a trained EMDR therapist, all the relevant factors will be discussed in full to help you both come to a decision to move forward with EMDR. In general though, you are an excellent candidate for the EMDR technique if you have…

• difficulty trusting people
• fear of being alone
• lack of motivation
• anxiety or panic
• feelings of guilt or shame
• poor concentration or memory
• explosive or irrational anger
• trouble sleeping
• nightmares
• worrying or brooding
• poor self-image
• serious relationship problems
• stage fright or performance anxiety
• obsessive or compulsive behavior
• extreme, unexplainable fears
• bad temper
• depression or disturbing thoughts
• a history of abuse, or sexual abuse
• been the victim of or witnessed a crime or serious accident
• ever experienced a traumatic event
• experience test anxiety

How does EMDR work?

When disturbing experiences happen, they are stored in the brain in their primitive state with all the sights, sounds, thoughts and feelings that accompany them. When a person is very upset, the brain seems to be unable to process the experience as it would normally. Therefore, the negative thoughts and feelings of the traumatic event are “trapped” in the nervous system. Since the brain cannot process these emotions, the experience and its accompanying feelings are often suppressed from consciousness. However, the distress lives on in the nervous system where it causes disturbances in the emotional functioning of the person.