What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR therapy uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists most often use eye movements to facilitate the bilateral stimulation, but can also use audio or tactile stimulation. This can be individualized based on the client’s comfort level, attention span, and stimulation preferences.

The bilateral eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement, or REM sleep, and this portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in the person’s life. This alternating process helps you “update” your memories to develop a healthier, more adaptive, perspective.

EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories is such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR Institute, Inc.

What does EMDR help?

While EMDR was originally established to treat PTSD, it’s also been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:

• Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Phobias
• Grief and Loss
• Depression and Bipolar Disorders
• Dissociative Disorders
• Disturbing Memories
• Performance Anxiety
• Addictions
• Stress Reduction
• Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
• Body Dysmorphic Disorders

None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?

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? Do you have some beliefs about yourself that on an intellectual level you know are not true?

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

Contact us today for a free phone consultation to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.

Read more about the EMDR therapist in Boise.