EMDR

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a model of therapy that helps people of all ages heal from negative life experiences, distressing events, or other psychological stressors. While many traumatic experiences are processed in our mind while we sleep at night (during REM sleep), some information may not process, which can lead to lasting negative effects that interfere with the way a person relates to themselves and others, and even how they see the world.

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 feelings of overwhelm, or of being back in that moment of the distressing event. EMDR helps the brain to process these often times hurtful or jarring memories, while allowing the brain to become "unstuck" and heal. While people will still remember the event, the memory will no longer being as if the person is reliving the event through the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is recalled. EMDR therapy is a well-researched and top-tiered Evidenced-based practice intervention for trauma (see below for research findings).

How is EMDR different from other types of therapy?

When you experience EMDR therapy, you are not required to talk about the troubling or distressing event or experience in detail. Instead of the focus of therapy being on changing your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors that are stemming from the stressful event, EMDR enables your brain to recommence its natural healing process. Intervention utilizing EMDR includes alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps. For many people, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy or other forms of psychotherapy.

What issues can EMDR therapy address? 

Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Chronic Illness and medical issues
Depression and bipolar disorders
Dissociative disorders
Disturbing memories
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Pain
Performance anxiety
Personality disorders
PTSD and other trauma and stress related issues
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance
Stress
Substance abuse and addiction
Violence and physical abuse/sexual abuse

Does EMDR really work?

There have been numerous studies looking at the effects of EMDR therapy. In addition to these studies

demonstrating that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment modality, the approximate 20 controlled studies that have been completed have consistently found that EMDR therapy effectively decreases/eliminates the symptoms of post traumatic stress for the majority of clients. These studies also report that clients who experience other associated symptoms, such as anxiety, are reported to have improved with treatment, as well. The World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the U.S. Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Department of Health, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, as well as many other organizations all endorse EMDR as being an effective treatment. The National Registry (NREPP) of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cites EMDR as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

Reviews from EMDR Clients (as collected by EMDRIA):

"I was a member of the Canadian Army for over 20 years. I suffered from OSI (operational stress injury), depression, and the loss of my daughter and wife killed by a drunk driver. For over a year of treatment and work on my part I have finally found some peace of mind. My anger and depression has lowered to a manageable level. Today, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know that EMDR treatment is by far the best I ever received in the mental health field, and the great thing is no medication." ~ G.C.

"A few years ago I underwent EMDR therapy. I was skeptical, like many, of course. At this point in time, however, I see that it saved my marriage, my sanity and my relationship with my children. I was suffering from PTSD after experiencing much loss and never even realized that's what stood in the way of a positive and healthy life. It's a wonderful treatment and more people should be informed about it. I was lucky to come across EMDR by accident." ~ J.M.

"This is to let you know how EMDR has changed my little girl. We started therapy and have had 8 sessions so far. She is 6 years old and has had severe symptoms of PTSD from being abused. Although regular therapy had been a little help, her progress was slow and arduous. Now, through EMDR my daughter seems happier, and her "fits" (aggressive rages) have been significantly reduced. I could not wait to tell you how much we think this therapy has helped our daughter." ~ R.A.

Where can I find more information about EMDR?

You can find out more information about EMDR by speaking with your therapist or other trained and licensed mental health professional. You can also browse through the following websites:

The International Association of EMDR's description of EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/page/what_is_emdr_therapy

The International Association of EMDR's Resource library: https://www.emdria.org/page/emdrarticles

The Francine Shapiro Library (founder of EMDR): https://emdria.omeka.net/

You may also find the video below, created by EMDRIA, to be helpful.