Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, and somatic symptoms. The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), posits that much of psychopathology is due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences. This impairs the client’s ability to integrate these experiences in an adaptive manner. The eight-phase, three-pronged process of EMDR facilitates the resumption of normal information processing and integration. This treatment approach, which targets past experience, current triggers, and future potential challenges, results in the alleviation of presenting symptoms, a decrease or elimination of distress from the disturbing memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbance, and resolution of present and future anticipated triggers.
What can EMDR treat?
Panic attacks
Depression
Complicated grief
Dissociative disorders
Disturbing memories
Phobias
Pain disorders
Stress reduction
Addictions
Sexual and/or physical abuse
Body dysmorphic disorders
Personality disorders
For more information about EMDR, please visit the EMDR Research Foundation.