EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization therapy is a type of intervention that helps you to heal from symptoms resulting from disturbing life experiences. EMDR helps you resolve mental blocks to engage your brain's natural healing process.
How does it work?
Your therapist will gather some information about a disturbing memory like feelings, thoughts, and body sensations related to the memory. Then, your therapist will guide you to follow "BLS" or bilateral stimulation; simultaneous left to right brain stimulations. The most common way this is achieved is through eye movements, where the therapist will ask you to follow the fingers or image on the computer's screen from left to right. Your therapist will pause to ask what you are noticing. Some clients feel intense memories, body sensations, or depending on the memory, re-experience the disturbing event. During the session, you are in control of stopping or discontinuing if you feel overwhelmed.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy can be used for children and adults of all ages. The use of EMDR therapy addresses:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance
Substance abuse and addiction
Violence and abuse
Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Chronic Illness and medical issues
Depression and bipolar disorders
Dissociative disorders
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Pain
Performance anxiety
Personality disorders
Please watch this video for an introduction to EMDR therapy to learn more about this intervention: