What is EMDR?

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EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a modality that has proven to help with the treatment of trauma and other concerns. By facilitating bilateral stimulation in the body with either eye movements, sound, or a tactile device, clients are able to see a reduction in bothersome symptoms. The communication from the two sides of the brain and body allows for the desensitization (or reduction) of symptom intensity. 

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Where did EMDR come from?

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In 1987, graduate student Francine Shapiro decided to go for a walk in a garden after having received some bad news. What she discovered during her walk changed the face of healing trauma. Francine realized that moving her eyes from left to right lead to a decrease in her feelings of distress. From there, it launched the research into EMDR and its clinical possibilities. Since then, many therapists trust its efficacy in aiding in the treatment of their client's trauma work. 

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What does EMDR help with?

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While EMDR is mostly associated with helping symptoms of trauma such as sleep disturbances, flashbacks, hypervigilence, etc., EMDR extends to helping with other disorders or issues that have stemmed from a distressing incident.

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For more questions and answers about EMDR, checkout the EMDR Institute's FAQs 

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