What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach designed to help people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. Unlike many other therapies, EMDR tends to work more quickly, even for very distressing memories and incidents that occurred long ago.
How EMDR Works
EMDR therapy demonstrates that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much like the body recovers from physical injury. When you cut your hand, your body naturally works to heal the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound—such as dirt—it festers and causes pain. Once the object or dirt is removed, healing can take place more effectively.
A similar process occurs with mental processes. The brain’s information processing system naturally strives toward good mental health. However, if this system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the blockage is removed, healing resumes naturally. Using the EMDR treatment protocol, I can assist in removing these blockages, allowing natural healing to occur.
Effectiveness of EMDR
EMDR is effective for most mental health disorders but is particularly powerful in treating trauma memories. Whether it’s childhood trauma, combat trauma, sexual assault, car accidents, or other distressing events, EMDR can facilitate faster and more profound healing.