What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. It is an evidence based practice for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and has been demonstrated to be effective with a number of conditions, including: panic, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, complex trauma, performance anxiety, grief and loss, amongst others.
The theoretical model underlying EMDR is called the Adaptive Information Processing Model. This model asserts that there are experiences in our lives that may be overwhelming, traumatic, terrorizing or otherwise distressful that get “stuck” in our brains. These experiences that get “stuck”, may lead to distressing psychological and physical symptoms.
A helpful metaphor is that to a time in which you ate too much and had difficulties digesting. When we can’t digest our food, we experience discomfort and pain (i.e., disease). Similarly, when our life experiences get “stuck” we also experience discomfort and pain. EMDR is believed to work with the brain’s natural capacities to heal, or digest these experiences, so that we can function in an adaptive manner again.
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is a vital and key ingredient of this evidence based therapy. BLS may be provided in the form of eye movements, tapping, or listening to alternating audio tones.
EMDR follows a thorough treatment protocol in its application. “Stuck” experiences are identified as targets for reprocessing, and the emotional, cognitive, and somatic aspects of these experiences are recalled by the client in structured way. The clinician then adds BLS and the target memory begins to process. The client may experience thoughts, memories, emotions, or somatic sensations while processing. The target memory eventually shifts to a place where it becomes adaptive. The distressing maladaptive material is naturally discarded and symptoms related to the memory dissipate.
Check out this video on YouTube HERE to learn a bit more about EMDR.
Dr. Shapiro passed away in June of 2019. In her passing she left a legacy of healing and her work and dedication to EMDR has supported thousands to millions heal. EMDR is implemented throughout the world and on every continent, with the current exception of Antarctica.
The theoretical model underlying EMDR is called the Adaptive Information Processing Model. This model asserts that there are experiences in our lives that may be overwhelming, traumatic, terrorizing or otherwise distressful that get “stuck” in our brains. These experiences that get “stuck”, may lead to distressing psychological and physical symptoms.
A helpful metaphor is that to a time in which you ate too much and had difficulties digesting. When we can’t digest our food, we experience discomfort and pain (i.e., disease). Similarly, when our life experiences get “stuck” we also experience discomfort and pain. EMDR is believed to work with the brain’s natural capacities to heal, or digest these experiences, so that we can function in an adaptive manner again.
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is a vital and key ingredient of this evidence based therapy. BLS may be provided in the form of eye movements, tapping, or listening to alternating audio tones.
EMDR follows a thorough treatment protocol in its application. “Stuck” experiences are identified as targets for reprocessing, and the emotional, cognitive, and somatic aspects of these experiences are recalled by the client in structured way. The clinician then adds BLS and the target memory begins to process. The client may experience thoughts, memories, emotions, or somatic sensations while processing. The target memory eventually shifts to a place where it becomes adaptive. The distressing maladaptive material is naturally discarded and symptoms related to the memory dissipate.
Check out this video on YouTube HERE to learn a bit more about EMDR.
Dr. Shapiro passed away in June of 2019. In her passing she left a legacy of healing and her work and dedication to EMDR has supported thousands to millions heal. EMDR is implemented throughout the world and on every continent, with the current exception of Antarctica.
