What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based practice that has proven to be a highly effective modality for healing trauma. Traumatic memories do not process and store themselves in long term memory the way other memories do. Because of this, these memories become “stuck,” leading to flashbacks, nightmares, hyper vigilance, and a whole host of other troubling symptoms. EMDR addresses these “stuck” pieces of information by using bilateral eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation, such as tapping, hand buzzers, or audio), which help the memory process appropriately and store in long term memory, where it belongs. As a result, you now have the power to bring up the memory when and if you want to- instead of it springing itself on you at any given time. EMDR concurrently desensitizes you to the memory. This means that when and if you do bring the memory up, the emotional charge will be gone, or considerably decreased. You will be able to think about the memory without feeling the ache in your chest, the knots in your stomach, or the sadness and fear you used to associate with it.

EMDR is truly a revolutionary therapy in trauma treatment. You can read more here about how it works and the research behind it.