According to EMDRIA (EMDR International Association), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a structured therapeutic approach where the client concentrates on the trauma memory whilst at the same time having the therapist implement bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). This reduces the intensity of the emotional response to the trauma memories. There have been numerous research studies on the efficacy of EMDR Therapy (available on the EMDRIA website as well as the EMDR Institute website) demonstrating that it is an effective psychotherapeutic method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, research continues to demonstrate positive clinical outcomes for the treatment of other disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007).
Numerous international organisations recognise EMDR Therapy as an effective therapeutic treatment. These include the The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs/Dept. of Defense, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the World Health Organization.
EMDR therapy works by resolving unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain and therefore does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. The therapy enables the brain to resume its natural healing process rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
Numerous international organisations recognise EMDR Therapy as an effective therapeutic treatment. These include the The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs/Dept. of Defense, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the World Health Organization.
EMDR therapy works by resolving unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain and therefore does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. The therapy enables the brain to resume its natural healing process rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
