What is EMDR?

EMDR, originally designed in the 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR has progressed to not just focusing on disturbing memories, that cause issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), also depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, attachment issues, compulsive addictive behaviors, negative experiences EMDR also incorporates ego strength building to increase self-esteem and confidence.

During EMDR therapy the client focuses emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on a form of external stimulant. For example, therapists’ eye movements, hand tapping, shoulder tapping, and/or sound are used.

When a person experiences a negative life or traumatic event, the person’s perceptions, emotions, beliefs, and meanings from said experience can be distorted. These can affect future experiences, even trapping them in their body and brain.

EMDR AND HOW IT CAN HELP YOU

What is PTSD:

A person may develop PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) if they are exposed to or witness to a traumatic event in which there was an actual threat of death, serious injury, or harm to the self or others, or if he felt intense fear, helplessness, or horror. PTSD is when someone is exposed to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in different ways that can include:

Experiencing the traumatic event
Witnessing others experiencing trauma
Learning that a traumatic event occurred to a close family member or close friend.
Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to difficult details of a traumatic event

People suffering from PTSD often experience:

Disturbing memories thought
Nightmares
Have trouble sleeping
Feel irritable or angry
Have trouble concentrating
Feel hyper-vigilant or on guard for fear of danger
Experience flashback memories

People tend to know PTSD from War Vets being in the news. But PTSD can happen from auto accidents, rape, sexual abuse. If you are suffering from trauma or feel “stuck” when trying to change destructive patterns of thought or behavior, EMDR Therapy might be right for you. Only a qualified doctor or therapist can give you the diagnosis of PTSD.

EMDR is one of the most sought out and well-researched methods for the treatment of trauma. EMDR facilitates the processing of traumatic memories or stressful situations, bringing one to a new adaptive resolution.