Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a powerful new method of doing psychotherapy. To date, EMDR has helped people of all ages and cultures to recover from many different types of emotional distress. The findings from scientific studies and research indicate that EMDR is highly effective and that the results are long lasting.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain functions and processes information. When a person is very upset, the brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily and the moment can become "frozen" in time.
The person experiences the images, sounds, smells and feelings as if they haven't changed, having a lasting negative effect on the way the person sees the world and relates to other people that interferes with his or her life.
The information is processed in the EMDR session so that the images, sounds and feelings are no longer relived when the event is brought back to mind. It also helps the client to make connections between feelings, behaviour and experiences thus regaining control over their lives.
EMDR can be effective in the treatment of conditions such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression, stress reduction, abuse, grief, low self esteen and addictions.
EMDR can only be conducted by trained therapists with a background in medicine, psychology or social work.