Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a method of psychotherapy that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and other chronically experienced stressors. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. EMDR does not require someone to share details of their trauma or experience.

The body and brain hold onto our distressing life experiences in scattered fragments that interrupt our relationship with ourselves, others, and the world around us. This can lead to uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms that are the legacy of our unresolved trauma. As part of EMDR’s structure, people learn how they have come to think, feel, and physiologically respond to their current internal and external world. EMDR aims to rewire our brain and body’s connection to stressors and triggers related to stressful and traumatic events through reviewing, releasing, and repairing our inner pain and wounds. EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically-based therapy that helps a person see and experience disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.

EMDR has been used effectively to treatment many issues including: