EMDR

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed to treat trauma and reduce negative emotions, anxiety, and other reactions associated with traumatic events.  It is one of the best validated and researched treatments for trauma and used by the V.A. Department of Defense and the World Health Organization.

What is EMDR used for?

EMDR was originally developed to treat the symptoms of PTSD, and has since expanded to treating anxiety, phobias, depression, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction and stress caused by chronic diseases.  EMDR is also a powerful tool to treat developmental trauma, a term used to describe a childhood marked with conflict, emotionally, difficult parents, distress, or other events that make a child feel anxious or unsafe. This type of home environment can cause a person to grow up with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.  The goal of EMDR is to fully process past experiences and sort out the emotions attached to those experiences.  Negative thoughts and feelings that are no longer useful are replaced with positive thoughts and feelings that will encourage a healthier response.