What is EMDR Therapy?

 Video and Information Below Courtesy of EMDR International Association

HOW CAN EMDR THERAPY HELP?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and is recommended for trauma treatment. Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. Sometimes this natural recovery process can' t be resolved without help. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, signs of trauma like those listed below will diminish or disappear once EMDR therapy is complete.

SIGNS OF TRAUMA

-Depression, sadness, and/or social isolation

-Feeling the need to be hyper-aware or alert in case of danger-always on edge or on guard

-An exaggerated startle response, jumpy

-Increased irritability, sudden anger attacks/outbursts, rage, or a shorter fuse/quick temper

-Feelings of shame, guilt, or intense worry

-A sense of numbness in life

-Nightmares, intrusive memories during waking hours, and/or flashbacks that relive the traumatic event(s)

-Avoiding situations which may be reminders of event

-Difficulty functioning in daily life

-poor sleep-trouble falling or staying asleep or waking up early