Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that targets disturbing life experiences in order to help people to heal from emotional distress. Just like the body can heal from physical injuries, the mind can also heal psychological injuries. If something is blocking the healing process, like a foreign object could block physical healing, EMDR therapy can help remove the block and allow healing to resume. The EMDR process focuses on the past, present, and future. Past memories are processed which helps heal present illness and symptoms so that the skills needed for future actions can be developed.
In EMDR therapy, eye movements, or other bilateral stimulation, are used to help stimulate the brain into the healing process. The clinician helps determine which memory to target first, then asks the client to hold different parts of that event or memory in mind while the bilateral stimulation is used. After the memory has been successfully processed, the clinician will help the client identify and strengthen a positive belief. Unlike traditional talk therapy, the insights a client gains are from their own accelerated thought processes.
EMDR therapy has been studied and proven to help with trauma and other mental disorders, such as:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety/Phobias/Panic Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Self-Esteem and Conduct Problems
- Attachment Disorder
- Grief/Mourning
- Depression