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Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

What is EMDR?​

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms.  Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that more than 7 million people have been treated successfully by 110,000 therapists in 130 countries since 2016.

How does it work?

EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (tappers or eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.

What does it help treat?

Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). 

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  • Panic Attacks

  • Complicated Grief

  • Dissociative Orders

  • Disturbing Memories

  • Phobias

  • Pain Disorders

  • Performance Anxiety

  • Stress Reduction

  • Sexual and/or Physical Abuse

  • Body Dysmorphic Disorders

  • Personality Disorders

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What if I don't experience the symptoms or experiences above?

Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there one or more dysfunctional belief that you believe about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true?

If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy.

References

Maxfield, L. (2019). A clinician’s guide to the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research [Editorial], 13(4), 239-246. Open access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.239

Shapiro, F., & Forrest, M. S. (2016). EMDR: The breakthrough therapy for overcoming anxiety, stress, and trauma. Hachette UK

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