Understanding EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is type of psychotherapy. 

It can be very effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can occur after experiences such as military combat, physical assault, rape, or other traumatic events.

EMDR can also help with:

• Panic attacks
• Eating disorders
• Addictions
• Anxiety

It does not rely on talk therapy or medications. Instead, EMDR uses a patient's own rapid, rhythmic eye movements. 

These eye movements dampen the power of emotionally charged memories of past traumatic events.

Your therapist will engage in something such as moving their fingers back and forth in front of your face, have you look at a blinking light, listen to clicking sounds, or even listen to musical tones. While this is taking place, the therapist will have you recall a disturbing event. 

This will include the emotions and body sensations that go along with it. 

Gradually, the therapist will guide you to shift your thoughts to more pleasant ones.

The goal is that your disturbing memories will hopefully become less disabling.

 Reference

WebMD (2015). Retrieved From:

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/emdr-what-is-it?page=1#1

By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                                  Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com