EMDR Therapy for Trauma, PTSD, Grief & Loss

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and shown effective for the treatment of trauma and PTSD, among a variety of other concerns. It can also be used to treatment anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and self-esteem. 

How does EMDR work?

EMDR works because it uses a strategy to directly engage and shift memory networks within the nervous system, where trauma lives. 

EMDR integrates the use of repeated movement on alternating sides of the body, such as eye movement or tapping, to activate opposite sides of the brain. Similarly to how eye movement facilitates healing during REM sleep, EMDR uses bilateral movement as a part of therapy to stimulate the natural healing process in the body and brain. The integration of this strategy into trauma-focused treatment can help lessen symptoms, decrease the intensity of distress related to past experiences, and shift the ways that you think about yourself and relationships in your life. 

For additional information, please visit the EMDR International Association.

Is EMDR research based?

EMDR is well supported by research. Although the exact agent for change isn't fully understood, research has shown that EMDR is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms such as intrusive memories and emotions, flashbacks, and emotional distress. For many people, EMDR has been shown to bring improvements more quickly than other forms of treatment.