What is EMDR?

EMDR Stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing” and is a therapeutic approach that helps people overcome traumatic memories and feelings.  This may not necessarily be a big event (or a big “T” trauma) but experiences may have been a series of events (little “t” traumas), or repeated messages that people are exposed to and were not helpful or harmful.  For example, someone may come to me because they feel “worthless” because of repeated bullying.  When people come to see me in a session, often they tell me they understand what is happening and “know” they shouldn’t feel worthless, but they still “feel” badly and or disturbed and no matter what they have tried - the emotional resonance just will not lift no matter what they try. 

This is where EMDR comes in as an approach.  EMDR can help move the feelings and sensations in the body that are upsetting and update them to not continue to impact them in their day-to-day lives.  This is based on looking at past events, beliefs and memories from a new perspective with a trained professional using the EMDR approach. In sessions, we would help move the emotional feeling of being “worthless” to one of being a person of value, and worth. 

Is EMDR Effective?

Yes! Numerous studies and clinical trials show that EMDR is highly effective in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other related conditions. It’s been endorsed by organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) as a recommended treatment for trauma and PTSD.

Below is an introduction video on EMDR courtesy of the EMDR International Association

EMDRIA on this webpage explains the EMDR therapy process