EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is extensively researched and proven effective for resolving traumatic life events. As a treatment option it is endorsed by prominent organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, The Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the World Health Organization.

EMDR is not simply the use of eye movements. Rather, it is an integrative psychotherapy approach with the goal of reducing distress in the most effective way. It works to reprocess memories of traumatic experiences by reducing the vividness (or ‘charge’) attached to these memories. This in turn, allows connection to other parts of the brain that know the original danger/threat is now in the past. This reduces the reactivation of the ‘fight-flight-freeze’ response linked to unprocessed memories.

As you process a series of key memories or issues in EMDR therapy, over time, your trauma symptoms reduce as the memories no longer trigger you. This allows more adaptive, healthy patterns of thinking to develop, reducing distressing emotions and changing behaviours. Because EMDR addresses the source of your distress (rather than just managing the symptoms of your distress) these changes are profound and lasting.

EMDR has been successfully used to treat:

• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and dissociation

• Anxiety, stress and panic attacks

• Phobias

• Complicated grief

• Depression

• Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse

Useful websites/resources:

EMDRAA website: https://emdraa.org/emdr-resources/
EMDRAA video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNN1lQ-AHoo
EMDR Therapy and Trauma in adults video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIJZQAr9nQo
EMDR for PTSD video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=tLrmZXheY5c