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What is EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective psychotherapeutic approach used to alleviate the distressing symptoms associated with traumatic memories.
EMDR uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate the bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep, and this portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in the person’s life.
At its core, EMDR is rooted in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, a theoretical framework developed by Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR. The AIP model posits that our brains naturally strive for adaptive resolution of distressing experiences, but traumatic events can overwhelm this natural process, causing the memories to remain unprocessed and emotionally charged.
EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories is such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR Institute, Inc.
EMDR is not limited to treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) alone. While it has been extensively researched and validated for trauma-related conditions, it has also proven to be effective for addressing a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, addiction and feelings of shame and guilt.
By helping individuals reprocess distressing memories and unblock emotional hurdles, EMDR offers a versatile and evidence based therapeutic approach for improving overall mental well-being and facilitating healing from various challenges.
Source: https://www.emdr.com/
Informational Videos on EMDR
EMDRIA Introduction to EMDR Therapy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6K8TuQQd5g
Short Video explaining EMDR- right to the point
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy helps children and adults of all ages. Therapists use EMDR therapy to address a wide range of challenges:
Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Chronic Illness and medical issues
Depression and bipolar disorders
Dissociative disorders
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Pain
Performance anxiety
Personality disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance
Substance abuse and addiction
Violence and abuse
How does EMDR therapy affect the brain?
Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior and emotion). While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help.
Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.
