What is EMDR?

EMDR is an acronym that stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing”. It is a technique used primarily in helping people who have been traumatized in some way (abuse, violence, car accident, war experiences, etc.). Many people who have been traumatized experience symptoms of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) including, but not limited to nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, etc. Many survivors of trauma report: “I can’t get over it.” EMDR has helped thousands of people “get over it”.

EMDR is designed to reduce or totally eliminate the symptoms of PTSD and other disorder as well. It involves alternate stimulation of the right and left hemispheres of the brain which is done by movements of the eye back and forth, or tapping on the hands, or by alternating sounds in the right and left ear. All of this is done under the guidance and direction of a therapist who has been trained to do EMDR. Negative thoughts and beliefs are replaced by positive thoughts and beliefs as part of the healing process.