EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), is a treatment modality created by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1990, which has since been empirically validated for use with a wide range of clients, issues, and pathologies. The American Psychiatric Association has listed EMDR as a first-line treatment for trauma and The US Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have placed EMDR in the highest category, recommended for all trauma populations.

EMDR treatment works by helping process distressing memories that result in dysfunctional emotions, beliefs and sensations, which once processed, the brain is free to incorporate future adaptive behaviors and increased emotional health become possible.  This is an integrative form of psychotherapy synthesizing elements from psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, experiential, physiological and interpersonal modalities.  During EMDR treatment bilateral stimulation of the brain is achieved through eye movements, bilateral sound, or bilateral tactile stimulation coupled with cognitions, visualized images, and body sensations.