Trauma & EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing; an innovative method of psychotherapy which has been used by trained mental health professionals to help over one million individuals who have survived sexual abuse, automobile accidents, domestic violence, combat, crime and other traumatic events (www.EMDRIA.org). Originally formulated as a trauma recovery treatment method, EMDR has expanded and now is used to treat many clinical issues including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etc. Other innovative focuses of EMDR include attachment issues, improvement in relationships and resource development.
EMDR works by stimulating the left and right hemispheres of the brain through bi-lateral stimulation. Originally, the stimulation was done through eye movements, hence the name. It has since been discovered that many types of bi-lateral stimulation can be used, including hand pulsers or auditory stimulation.
The results are often remarkable. This gentle, non-confrontational therapy allows the client to be in charge and lead the way to transformation of past wounds. Integrating it with body awareness helps identify and move stuck emotional issues from the body. One client, after three or four EMDR sessions, reported a reduction in anxiety so profound it allowed her to fully function for the first time in years.
To read more details about EMDR, visit www.emdria.org
