EMDR is a therapy that was developed in the United States in the late 1980’s. It was first used with combat veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress (PTSD) as a way to eliminate symptoms such as flashbacks, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression, etc. Created by a psychologist named Francine Shapiro, PhD., EMDR is quickly gaining a reputation for its effectiveness in treating stress, trauma, phobias, worry, and a number of other symptoms.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This therapy involves thinking about something bothersome, such as a traumatic memory or issue. The brain is then stimulated bilaterally, meaning the left and right brain are activated. Stimulation of the brain takes place through one of a number of methods: alternating beeps through a headset, alternating taps on the hands, or by following a hand movement from side to side. The idea is that traumatic memories sometimes get “stuck” in the information-processing system of the brain, along with the emotions and physical sensations that went with the original experience. During an EMDR session, the client thinks about the issue or traumatic memory and we do a number of “sets” of bilateral stimulation (BLS). The brain takes you where it needs to go. Think of the train journey metaphor. Imagine that you are on a train, here in my office. If upsetting feelings come up, it’s just like scenery outside the train. All you need to do is notice it and let it go by.
This desensitizing and reprocessing of the difficult memory allows you to have peace with it. You may experience intense emotions both during an EMDR session, as well as between sessions. This is normal. It is often difficult and tiring emotional work. It is really important that you take good care of yourself when doing EMDR therapy. For further information on EMDR, please visit the following websites: