What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of therapy used to process and resolve distressing memories, especially those related to trauma. Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in the late 80’s. EMDR combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) to help the brain do its own healing. The therapy reduces the emotional charge of traumatic memories and helps us reprocess them so we can look back on past events with less distress and more perspective.
EMDR helps activate stored emotional memories in the brain, facilitating the release and reprocessing of their emotional impact.The cognitive memory of the event remains intact; however, the emotional response is released.
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What are the benefits of EMDR?
- Reduces PTSD symptoms
- Improves emotional control
- Better coping for stress and anxiety
- Boosts self-esteem and confidence
- Recovery from complex trauma and adverse life experiences
- Better sleep patterns by reducing trauma related disturbances
- Navigates phobias, grief and loss
How does EMDR bring positive change?
- Desensitizes distressing memories
- Reprocesses traumatic experiences into new thoughts
- Reduces emotional triggers for specific memories
- Facilitates shifts in thought patterns and beliefs.
- Emotional and mental resilience
What EMDR can help with
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Trauma related depression
- Grief and loss
- Phobias
- Childhood trauma
- Psychogenic pain (pain influenced by emotional factors)
- Low self-esteem from past events
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an EMDR therapy session last? Sessions vary from 80 minutes, depending on individual needs.
Is EMDR effective for issues other than trauma? Yes, while EMDR is primarily used for trauma, it can effectively address related issues such as anxiety, phobias, and depression.
Do I need to relive my traumatic memories in detail during EMDR? No, EMDR focuses on processing the memories without requiring detailed recounting of the trauma.
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