What types of issues can EMDR help with?

EMDR is primarily used for trauma and PTSD, but it can also be beneficial for other conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and certain forms of chronic pain.

Is EMDR effective?

Research indicates that EMDR can be highly effective for treating trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It has been endorsed by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) as a recommended treatment for trauma.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR involves eight phases:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: Assessing the client’s history and identifying targets for processing.
2. Preparation: Establishing trust and explaining the EMDR process.
3. Assessment: Identifying negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memories and identifying positive beliefs.
4. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation while the client focuses on the traumatic memory to reduce its emotional charge.
5. Installation: Reinforcing positive beliefs.
6. Body Scan: Identifying and processing any physical tension related to the trauma.
7. Closure: Bringing the client back to a state of equilibrium and helping them return to a state of normalcy.
8. Reevaluation: Reviewing the progress and addressing any remaining issues.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a type of psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It helps people process and integrate traumatic memories and distressing life events through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (e.g., tapping or auditory stimuli).