What Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a type of therapy that helps people who have been through scary or upsetting events. A therapist guides you through the process in a safe and supportive way.
EMDR was created in the late 1980s by a psychologist named Dr. Francine Shapiro. She noticed that moving her eyes side to side helped reduce the power of upsetting thoughts. She turned this idea into a step-by-step treatment that has helped many people around the world.
How Does EMDR Work?
When something really scary or painful happens, your brain sometimes has trouble storing that memory the right way. The memory can get "stuck," and it keeps causing bad feelings, nightmares, or anxiety long after the event is over.
During EMDR, your therapist will ask you to think about the upsetting memory for short amounts of time. While you do this, you will also follow something with your eyes — usually the therapist's finger moving back and forth. Sometimes tapping or sounds are used instead of eye movements.
This process helps your brain "unstick" the memory and store it in a healthier way. Over time, the memory becomes less upsetting, and you start to feel better.
What Happens During EMDR Sessions?
EMDR follows eight steps:
1. History: Your therapist learns about you and picks which memories to work on.
2. Preparation: Your therapist explains how EMDR works and teaches you ways to calm yourself down.
3. Assessment: You and your therapist talk about the upsetting memory and how it makes you feel.
4. Desensitization: You think about the memory while following eye movements. This is the main part of the treatment.
5. Installation: Your therapist helps you connect a positive, healthy thought to the memory.
6. Body Scan: You check in with your body to see if any tension or discomfort is left.
7. Closure: Your therapist helps you feel calm and stable before you leave.
8. Check-In: At the next session, your therapist checks how you are doing and whether the treatment is working.
What Does EMDR Treat?
EMDR is best known for treating PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). PTSD can happen after events like accidents, natural disasters, abuse, or violence. EMDR has also been used to help with anxiety, depression, and other problems linked to stressful experiences.
Does EMDR Really Work?
Yes. Many studies have shown that EMDR works well for people with PTSD. Major health organizations around the world recommend it, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). It works for both adults and children.
Is EMDR Safe?
EMDR is considered a safe treatment. You may feel strong emotions during a session, but your therapist is trained to help you manage those feelings. Most people start to feel better after just a few sessions.
Questions?
If you have questions about whether EMDR is right for you, click here to schedule a free consultation.