EMDR
Dr. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the early 1990’s. EMDR was originally developed to help clients with trauma, but now it has been significantly expanded to help clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, fears, addictive/compulsive behaviors, and everyday negative experiences.
EMDR Therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain "digest" distressing memories that feel "stuck", it facilitates memories to be stored in the brain in a calmer form so that when you think about them it will no longer feel like a "punch to the gut", memories will become less upsetting.
EMDR is largely non-verbal, clients are asked to identify distressing memories to work on, as well as feelings and sensations associated with them. The only verbal part of EMDR is briefly describing to the therapist what is happening and sometimes being slightly guided by the therapist. There is no need to describe specific details of the traumatic memories while engaging in EMDR. Relaxation and self soothing skills are also important parts of the EMDR process.
A client starts EMDR by thinking about the bad memory and identifying any negative thoughts about themselves and rating how disturbing the memory is to them. Then the client engages in right/left eye movements or sounds without talking and notices whatever thoughts or feelings they have. Often, clients notice that their thoughts and feelings will begin to shift to all kinds of memories, this is part of the brain's reprocessing. Reprocessing of the memory may happen in one session or over the course of multiple sessions.
When working with children, the process is still the same, however kids will usually not participate in EMDR the entire session, but smaller portions of the session, and it is often combined with play therapy interventions.
I have completed Level 2 training in EMDR.
For more detailed information on EMDR, please visit:
EMDRIA - EMDR International Association
EMDR Institute
EMDR Therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain "digest" distressing memories that feel "stuck", it facilitates memories to be stored in the brain in a calmer form so that when you think about them it will no longer feel like a "punch to the gut", memories will become less upsetting.
EMDR is largely non-verbal, clients are asked to identify distressing memories to work on, as well as feelings and sensations associated with them. The only verbal part of EMDR is briefly describing to the therapist what is happening and sometimes being slightly guided by the therapist. There is no need to describe specific details of the traumatic memories while engaging in EMDR. Relaxation and self soothing skills are also important parts of the EMDR process.
A client starts EMDR by thinking about the bad memory and identifying any negative thoughts about themselves and rating how disturbing the memory is to them. Then the client engages in right/left eye movements or sounds without talking and notices whatever thoughts or feelings they have. Often, clients notice that their thoughts and feelings will begin to shift to all kinds of memories, this is part of the brain's reprocessing. Reprocessing of the memory may happen in one session or over the course of multiple sessions.
When working with children, the process is still the same, however kids will usually not participate in EMDR the entire session, but smaller portions of the session, and it is often combined with play therapy interventions.
I have completed Level 2 training in EMDR.
For more detailed information on EMDR, please visit:
EMDRIA - EMDR International Association
EMDR Institute