(EDMR) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that helps people heal from trauma. It can be used to treat people of all ages who have been affected by trauma, including those with PTSD. It is a relatively new therapy, and not everyone is familiar with it. EMDR can be helpful for people who have experienced traumatic events, such as abuse, violence, or natural disasters. The goal of EMDR is to help people process the emotions associated with their trauma so that they can move on with their lives. The basic idea behind EMDR is that the mind and body are connected. For example, when people experience trauma, their bodies often go into a state of hyper-arousal. This means that they may have a hard time sleeping, concentrating, or even feeling safe. It is as if these people are in a constant state of alert. This response is often referred to as “fight-or-flight.” It was named this because it is the same response that many people have when they encounter a dangerous animal or someone who threatens their safety. This response is a normal survival mechanism that enables people to react quickly when they are in danger. However, this state of hyper arousal can be very uncomfortable and can cause problems with daily life.

EMDR helps people process the traumatic event by focusing on the images, feelings, and thoughts related to the trauma. During the EMDR session, the therapist moves their fingers back and forth in front of their eyes to help stimulate a type of neurological reaction that allows people to process the traumatic event. After the session, people are encouraged to document their experiences and feelings in a journal.

How effective is EMDR?
EMDR is considered a highly effective treatment for PTSD. Many people respond to the treatment after only a few sessions, while others take longer. The average number of sessions is between eight and 15.  EMDR is different from other types of therapy in that it focuses on processing the traumatic event rather than just talking about it. The person also does not need to relive the trauma during EMDR, which can be a big relief for many people.