Explaining EMDR®

EMDR (Eye Movement Desentization and
Reprocessing)

In 1987 Dr. Francine Shapiro noticed that the intensity of her thoughts and feelings were reduced after her eyes had been moving rapidly back and forth. As a student of
psychology she researched this for her doctorial thesis and by 1989 she developed a totally new type of
psychotherapy, now known as EMDR therapy… To this point helping over ½ million people from all walks of life
by easing numerous types of psychological suffering.

EMDR is a very safe and effective procedure that
facilitates releasing the impact that past experiences have on your present day life. When difficult, brutal or
traumatizing experiences are stored in the brain, they
are stored in an anxiety generating form with original
pictures, emotions, feelings and experience. EMDR permits the brain to convert the memories into normal less disturbing memories. The memories are not removed, they simply no longer create the upsetting reaction that they have in the past.

EMDR has 3 major benefits: speed, efficiency and
results that last. Quickly moving you from a place of distress, to an improved condition in less time than conventional therapies. Research studies have proven that reprocessing difficult memories and emotions assists
people to experience much needed relief from their past.

When is EMDR appropriate? There are two forms of trauma, major, “big T” Trauma and what we call “small t” trauma. Major traumas are the horrendous events, such as wartime experiences, rape, sexual abuse, the loss of a child or loved one. “Small t” traumas are the everyday misfortunes, akin to daily negative childhood messages leading one to grow up believing they will never be good enough, low self-esteem, etc., preventing one from living their life to its full potential. EMDR therapy may not be appropriate for all situations. A certified EMDR therapist will take a thorough history to determine if and how EMDR can be used as part of an overall treatment program.

EMDR therapy has been successfully used to relieve
many issues, including:

PSTD • Anxiety • Depression • Phobias Addictions • Sexual
Abuse • Grief Panic Attacks • Performance Anxiety •
Self Esteem • Dissociative Disorders

How many sessions are needed? The amount of sessions needed is dependent upon a number of factors including the nature of the condition, the patient’s history and the ability to tolerate various levels of disturbance.

EMDR FAQs