EMDR Therapy: A Path To Healing

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an internationally recognized trauma informed therapy that is like a reset button for challenging and sometimes traumatic memories. EMDR is not about erasing the past, but taking the charge out of difficult memories and thoughts. Here's an analogy that I think best describes how EMDR works: charged memories and thoughts are like putting your hand on a stove burner that is set on high - this charge is jarring, painful and can be debilitating. After EMDR, you can place your hand on that same burner, the burner is still there, but the heat is off. The burner doesn't disappear; it just doesn't hurt you anymore. The memories and thoughts are the same - they lose their charge and enable a life shifting change.

EMDR therapy was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Decades of studies have provided substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of EMDR in treating conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. EMDR is one of the three trauma informed therapies approved by the Veterans Administration for treating PTSD.

EMDR is an eight phase therapy that provides a comprehensive protocol for building and enhancing personal resources, identifying negative thoughts that have been keeping the memories locked and stuck, and then releasing and replacing those thoughts with new, healthy thought patterns. EMDR also releases trauma that is being stored in the body. Many clients report that EMDR therapy is "life changing." 

If you would like more information on EMDR, feel free to ask questions in the comment section or reach out to me at jfosterlpc@protonmail.com and we can set up a time to talk. I also recommend checking out EMDRIA.org (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association's website) or watch the 10 minute video "Introduction to EMDR Therapy" at https://youtu.be/Pkfln-ZtWeY.

All articles are for informational purposes only.  Always consult with a licensed mental health professional before choosing any therapy modality.