What is EMDR?
What is EMDR?
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) activates trauma memory in the brain with imagery, emotions, bodily sensations & beliefs.
This form of therapy was developed in the 1980s by American psychologist Francine Shapiro. Used to treat a range of difficulties and traumas, it is thought to imitate the psychological state that we enter when in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and uses either eye movements or gentle tapping on the hands or knees to stimulate the left and right hemispheres of the brain into processing memories and disturbing feelings by creating new neural pathways. This allows the individual to move away from an unresolved held trauma memory to a more adaptive and less distressing resolution in order to live more fully in the present.
Recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), EMDR is a scientifically supported treatment for trauma and PTSD. It can also be used for a variety of other adverse life events such as anxiety, depression, fear, loss, panic attacks, phobias, shock and stress. Used as either a brief focused treatment or as part of longer term treatment, clients should be aware that strong feelings and disturbing thoughts may be experienced during sessions. However, they are supported by the therapist to facilitate their own self-healing and remain fully alert, in control and wide awake during sessions so it can be experienced as a very natural and empowering form of therapy.
https://www.emdrhap.org/content/what-is-emdr/
Healing with EMDR personal stories: