EMDR Therapy
Alone, or in combination with other therapeutic approaches, EMDR (Eye
Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has proven effective in helping
people move beyond distressing ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving,
and into a place of resolution. This is often true even with problems
that feel long-standing, complex, ‘stuck’, or have been resistant to other
forms of therapy in the past. As well, the resulting changes from EMDR
may happen in a shorter period of time compared to problems targeted using
more traditional forms of ‘talk therapy’. To date, EMDR has helped an
estimated two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological
distress. Also, it is not necessary for you to understand what is specifically
causing your problem or distress for EMDR to be effective.
What Is EMDR?
In 1987, psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro made the observation that eye
movements (or other forms of “bilateral stimulation” such as sounds going
back and forth in the ears, or tactile sensations alternating on either
side of the body) can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, memories,
and feelings under specific conditions. Dr. Shapiro studied this effect
scientifically and, in 1989, she reported, in the Journal of Traumatic
Stress, success using EMDR to treat victims of trauma. Since then, EMDR
has developed and evolved through the contributions of therapists and
researchers all over the world. Today, EMDR is a complex therapy with
a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different
treatment approaches.
EMDR therapy is used to successfully treat the following issues:
|
|
|
In my work using EMDR with people, I have been impressed with the level of healing EMDR can facilitate, as well as the relief and personal growth that often follows.
To book an appointment to further discuss EMDR therapy, please call 519-936-5542.