EMDR

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy (Shapiro, 2001) was initially developed in 1987 for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing model (Shapiro 2007).

The Adaptive Information Processing model looks at symptoms of Trauma or PTSD that are a result of past disturbing experiences that are causing continuing stress and anxiety.

When the memories are triggered these stored disturbing elements are experienced and cause the symptoms of PTSD and/or other disorders.

EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory, and is intended to change the way that the memory is stored in the brain, thus reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms.

During EMDR therapy, the use of eye movements and other forms of rhythmic left-right (bilateral) stimulation. While clients briefly focus on the trauma memory and simultaneously experience bilateral stimulation (BLS), the vividness and emotion of the memory are reduced.

The treatment is recommended for the treatment of PTSD.