My personal experience with EMDR therapy was literally “magical” for me. The emotional relief and alteration of self-esteem was impressive. I am passionate about using this therapy wherever appropriate to heal emotional wounds, and eliminate the pain and symptoms that are very invasive to self-esteem and behavioral function.
This therapy process can be used for people of all ages and the person does not even need to “believe” that it will work. It is also not like ‘exposure’ therapy that requires the individual to repeatedly relive the event verbally and emotionally.
EMDR literally stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. It is an evidence-based psychotherapy to make one less sensitive to a traumatic or disturbing adverse life experience/s and to reprocess and integrate it. EMDR can be used to reprocess and relieve symptoms of:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Rape and sexual assault
- Witnessing violence
- Repetitive physical or verbal abuse
- Phobias & Fears (flying, spiders, snakes, speaking, anxiety)
- Irrational beliefs about self
- Car accidents
- Physical assault or robbery
- Medical and surgical procedures
- Grief and loss
- Test taking
The body and mind both have the amazing capacity to heal themselves, they are driven towards self-healing. Properly trained EMDR clinicians can help clients to activate their natural healing processes.
This can result in:
- Reduction or elimination of presenting symptoms
- Decrease or elimination of distress from the memory
- Improved view of the self
- Relief from bodily disturbance
- Resolution of present triggers
- Resolution of anticipated triggers
- Reduction or elimination of cutting or other negative behavior patterns
For more detailed and technical description of the process, please link to the following sites:
EMDRIA ~ This site connects to the EMDR International Association providing information for potential clients of EMDR and therapists.
EMDR ~ This link connects to a site that provides information from the creator of the therapy, Dr. Francine Shapiro; includes the history and the methodology.
For more links see: Trauma Resources this site.
EXCELLENT books on the topic for examples of the process and a self-help.
Small Wonders, Healing Childhood Trauma with EMDR by Joan Lovett, M.D.
This is an excellent book written by a pediatrician after experiencing a traumatic car accident, receiving no relief from traditional therapy, and recovering after EMDR therapy. She then trained in the process and uses it to help children in her medical practice, (some as young as 2 years), to overcome trauma. Wonderful examples of how children are traumatized, the symptoms and anxiety it produces, and how a professional can help them to heal.
Tapping In by Laurel Parnell, Ph.D.
An EMDR related technique providing step-by-step guide to activating your healing resources through bilateral stimulation.
EMDR in the Treatment of Adults Abused as Children by Laurel Parnell, Ph.D.
Detailed therapist oriented text. Dr. Parnell has written extensively about EMDR and conducts trainings across the USA and internationally.