What is E.M.D.R.?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a psychotherapy approach developed to help people heal from the emotional distress caused by trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro.
EMDR helps a person reprocess traumatic memories so they are less emotionally charged and no longer interfere with daily life.
The person recalls a traumatic event while focusing on bilateral stimulation, most commonly eye movements, but sometimes tapping or sounds.
This process is thought to help the brain "digest" the memory and move it from being stuck in a highly emotional state to a more resolved and logical place.
Over time, the memory becomes less vivid, less distressing, and easier to manage.
EMDR is Done in 8 Phases:
History-taking and treatment planning (as a guideline, typically over the first 4-5 sessions)
Preparation (explaining the process, building trust, during the first 4-5 sessions)
Assessment (identifying target memory during the initial first 4-5 sessions)
Desensitization (using eye movements or other stimulation)
Installation (replacing negative beliefs with positive ones)
Body scan (noticing any residual physical tension)
Closure (returning to calm)
Re-evaluation (checking progress in later sessions)
Please ask me about EMDR during your free consultation call to determine if this could be a suitable therapy modality for you.