What is EMDR?
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You've probably heard the hype about Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, or EMDR for short, but what is it and what's with the hype? The main theory driving this comprehensive, trauma-focused therapy is that any of the present-day issues we experience, whether it be anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, phobias, perfectionism, etc., are a result of and therefore directly tied to disturbing memories from childhood that were never appropriately processed. From the EMDR perspective, any event that has had a lasting negative impact on the psyche is considered disturbing and thus traumatic.
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As such, the focus in EMDR therapy is on processing the memory or memories during which these present-day concerns were first born--addressing the issue(s) from the root rather than the "branches," or those more recent experiences that are essentially triggering an earlier memory feeding it. The EMDR therapy process typically starts with identifying the branches and using techniques to bring to surface the roots that are targeted for the reprocessing phase; the bilateral stimulation that the use of eye movements facilitate during the reprocessing phase combined with the compassionate therapeutic space seem to allow your brain to access the memory network where the disturbing memories live in order for them to be adaptively processed. The experience of EMDR shows you that your brain is far more capable of healing itself than you ever believed.
I suggest visiting the EMDR Institute and/or National Center for PTSD websites for more information about EMDR, although you're also always welcomed to speak with me regarding your questions and concerns. As someone who has observed its magic as both a psychotherapist and personal recipient of EMDR as a client, I can attest to the high probability of EMDR therapy having a profound impact on your growth and healing journey.
I suggest visiting the EMDR Institute and/or National Center for PTSD websites for more information about EMDR, although you're also always welcomed to speak with me regarding your questions and concerns. As someone who has observed its magic as both a psychotherapist and personal recipient of EMDR as a client, I can attest to the high probability of EMDR therapy having a profound impact on your growth and healing journey.
