EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

What is EMDR? How does it work?

EMDR is a psychotherapy approach developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It has gained significant recognition as a highly effective treatment for trauma-related disorders.

EMDR is based on the understanding that unprocessed traumatic memories can become "stuck" in the brain, leading to distressing symptoms and negative beliefs. This therapy aims to reprocess these memories, allowing the brain to integrate them in a more adaptive and healthy way.

During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the patient to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This bilateral stimulation can be achieved through eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. These techniques activate both sides of the brain, facilitating the processing and integration of traumatic memories.