EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a evidence-based approach to treating trauma and distressing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR helps the brain reprocess and integrate traumatic memories so they no longer cause emotional or physiological distress in the present.
“EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms.
Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019).”
——Cite from emdria.org
Common Questions:
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No. One of the benefits of EMDR is that it doesn’t require you to describe every detail of your traumatic experience out loud. The focus is on helping your brain process and resolve the memory internally in a safe and contained way.
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EMDR sessions follow an eight-phase protocol. After preparing and identifying target memories, the therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation while you briefly focus on a specific memory or feeling. Your brain does the rest— processing the memory in a way that leads to relief, clarity, and reduced intensity.
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Yes, EMDR can be safely adapted for children and adolescents. It’s often used to help younger clients process trauma, anxiety, or attachment disruptions. When working with children, it is typically integrated with play or creative expression, and caregiver involvement is essential.
