Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that emphasizes disturbing memories as the cause of personal and interpersonal issues/complaints. These memories are inadequately processed and stored in an isolated memory network. The goal of EMDR therapy is to process these distressing memories, reducing their lingering effects and allowing clients to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms. This is done in an eight-phase protocol where the client is fully conscious and present and in full control. Our brains automatically do the reprocessing during this procedure with very little clinical insight and psychoanalysis.
EMDR therapy is “highly recommended” as an effective treatment for PTSD and other trauma and stressor disorders by the following organizations: American Psychiatric Association (APA), Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense (VA/DoD), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services America (SAMHSA), and World Health Organization (WHO).
Here is a short video about EMDR therapy:
As an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist I have over five years experience with conducting, utilizing, and employing EMDR Therapy with over 100 clients in many different treatment settings. Many clinicians claiming to be trained in EMDR are “Basic trained” in Levels 1 & 2. I have undergone additional training and consultation (over 20 hours with four different Approved Consultants) in order to achieve Certification status and continue to gain additional continuing education in order to maintain certification through EMDRIA. Click here for my EMDRIA Member Profile for verification.
Here is a helpful infographic:
Please note: not all clients are suited/recommended for EMDR therapy. But majority of my clients have responded very positively to the effects and longevity of this therapy.
