EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy designed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, Ph. D, and grounded in extensive research, to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.

Equipment

Headphones (left) used for audio stimuli, lightbar (middle) used for lateral eye movements, and hand tapping (pulsators) for tactile stimuli

Individuals who partake in EMDR access and process traumatic memories and other adverse life experiences in order to reach a resolution. A successful EMDR treatment relives distress, reforms negative beliefs, and assists in healing. The process utilizes external stimuli, typically directed lateral eye movements, but hand tapping and audio stimulation are also used, while attending to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses.

EMDR uses a three pronged protocol:

  1. Past events causing distress or dysfunction are reworked and processed to form new links

  2. Current stressors/triggers are identified and desensitized

  3. Imaginal future events are used to support skills for adaptive functioning


EMDR is treated with uttermost care and professionalism by our therapists who are trained. To learn more about how EMDR works or if you are a clinician looking for opportunities to get trained visit https://www.emdr.com/

If you are seeking a therapist who can provide EMDR therapy, visit Our Therapists page and search for EMDR in their specialties