Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can effectively resolve symptoms related to stress and trauma, such as: overreactions, irritability, severe anxiety, unresponsiveness or exaggerated startle response, flashbacks, nightmares and sleep difficulties, concentration or memory impairment, excessive guilt or shame, and chronic health problems.
The EMDR Therapy process begins with relaxation and connecting to your own internal strengths and resources. Traumatic memories are stored in the brain differently from other negative experiences and can be re-activated by current reminders; as if the original trauma is occurring in the present moment. Through the use of bilateral stimulation (most often eye movements, alternating tones or vibrations), EMDR Therapy stimulates your body and brain’s own capacity to integrate and alleviate distressing images and memories that have previously been unresolved. The result is that overwhelming experiences from the past no longer intrude into the present.
Individuals who seek EMDR Therapy often describe themselves as feeling stuck in patterns even after years of traditional talk therapy. With EMDR, many are able to live in the present without the intrusion of pain from the past.