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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)1 is a comprehensive, integrative psychotherapy approach. It contains elements of many effective psychotherapies in structured protocols that are designed to maximize treatment effects. These include psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, experiential, and body-centered therapies2. -EMDR Institute

EMDR psychotherapy is an information processing therapy and uses an eight phase approach to address the experiential contributors of a wide range of pathologies. It attends to the past experiences that have set the groundwork for pathology, the current situations that trigger dysfunctional emotions, beliefs and sensations, and the positive experience needed to enhance future adaptive behaviors and mental health. -EMDR Institute


It is based on the belief that the human brain is unable to process a traumatic experience as it would an ordinary life experience. At the time of the trauma, the event details, including sights, sounds, smells and somatic sensations are stored as they were experienced. An individual can experience symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder until the frightening memory has been processed. EMDR is a method of treating traumatic memories in individuals of all ages.

EMDR treatment is based on scientific research and controlled studies, and has been found to be effective in decreasing or eliminating the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder for most clients.

Go to
 www.emdria.org
 for more information.