Often, we need more than talk therapy or insight to heal from past trauma, difficult early life experiences, or previous relationship injuries. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of treatment that may help you to become "unstuck" from those issues that have not completely healed, so that you can feel more empowered and create the life that you want.
EMDR therapy uses visual, auditory, and sensory cues provided by the client and therapist while having the problem in mind. Together the therapist and client allow the issue to release itself from the emotional core of the brain. Some clients report being calm, relaxed and much less stressed regarding the targeted problem after the EMDR sessions.
The EMDR International Association definition of EMDR is as follows:
"Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. To date, EMDR therapy has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress".
What other issues can EMDR treat?
"Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress. However, clinicians also have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions:"
- Addictions
- Panic attacks
- Sexual and Physical Abuse
- Disturbing memories
- Complicated grief
- Dissociative disorders
- Phobias
- Pain disorders
- Performance anxiety
- Performance enhancement
- Stress reduction
- Body dysmorphic disorders
Please ask if the EMDR therapist you choose has completed the extensive EMDR International Association training process, and if the professional has training in the area that you are seeking treatment.
For more information on EMDR please visit the websites: emdria.org, emdr.com