Spring Grove

Counseling & Wellness Center

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EMDR

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Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a method of psychotherapy which is used with people of all ages to obtain relief from many types of psychological distress.  It is an accelerated form of information processing which helps clients work through negative beliefs and experiences which continue to drive unhelpful reactions and behaviors.

 

When something traumatic happens to an individual, the mind may continue to hold onto it in a way that includes the original picture, sounds, feelings and thoughts.  It seems that the trauma is locked inside the brain and can be re-triggered by certain situations, objects, or people that are encountered during the day/or night.  The traumatic memory can have a lasting effect on how the person relates to life.

 

In 1987, psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro discovered this method by chance. She became aware that when she had a disturbing feeling and moved her eyes back and forth in a sustained way, her negative thoughts and feelings dissipated.  She studied this effect scientifically and in 1989 reported success in treating victims of trauma in the Journal of Traumatic Stress.  EMDR proved to be successful in treating victims of war, sexual abuse, and catastrophic accidents.

 

Today EMDR is used successfully to treat a variety of problems:

  •   stress reduction

  •   anxiety disorders

  •   performance anxiety

  •   disturbing memories

  •   panic attacks

  •   negative beliefs about the self

  •   and other problems

For more information about EMDR and to answer questions such as :

 

How does EMDR work?

 

How is EMDR used in therapy?

 

What is an EMDR session like?

 

What is the research evidence for EMDR?

 

How long does EMDR take?

 

Log on to EMDRIA at www.emdria.org

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Last modified: August 28, 2008