EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a technique used to engage the brain in healing emotional injury or “stuckness.” Initially developed to help returning war veterans cope with the shock and trauma of wartime experiences, practitioners quickly discovered its usefulness for a wide variety of conditions such as anxiety, phobias, depression, avoidant behavior, and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Simply put, “bilateral stimulation” (meaning stimulating each hemisphere of the brain alternately through eye movements or knee tapping, for example) is induced while you are guided to recall a traumatic or challenging event in a structured manner. This allows the brain to process the emotionally charged memory in a new way that, in many cases, leaves you feeling more resolved and at peace. EMDR, although not able to change history, can be a powerful tool to reduce its emotional kick.
EMDR can evoke distressing emotions and reactions, and it is not for everyone. During your initial session, you may want to ask whether EMDR would be right for you.