Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
Learn more about what EMDR is
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. It is an effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences such as:
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Phobias
Chronic Illness
Depression
Bipolar disorders
Dissociative disorders
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Pain
Performance anxiety
Personality disorders
PTSD
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance
Substance abuse and addiction
Violence and abuse
How EMDR Works
After the therapist and client agree that EMDR therapy is a good fit, the client will work through the phases of EMDR therapy with their therapist. EMDR is based on the idea that negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours are the result of unprocessed memories.
During a session the therapist will have the client recall distressing images; the therapist then directs the client in one type of bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements or hand tapping.
Attention will be given to a negative image, belief, and body feeling related to this event, and then to a positive belief that would indicate the issue was resolved.
A typical EMDR session lasts 60 to 90 minutes and may take several sessions to resolve the issue.