EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is type of psychotherapy that is used to treat disturbing life experiences that we can't seem to move on from. It is based on extensive research and proven to be effective for the treatment of trauma. Trauma can be defined with a big T with such things as sexual assault, abuse, combat, etc, or with a little t, by such things as being called "stupid" or having experienced one or more painful relationships. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. EMDR has been found helpful in relieving many types of psychological stress.
The following videos provide some information about EMDR.
This first video explains what EMDR is, how it was discovered, and how it can be helpful in processing painful experiences. It was aired on ABC's 20/20 in the 1990's when EMDR was considered a new and untested form of therapy. Since then the research has been able to support that it is an effective form of therapy.
How EMDR works:
The truth is, that while there is significant research and evidence to show that EMDR is an effective form of therapy, the jury is still out on why it works. There are several theories. For an explanation of some of those theories, see the video below by Dr. Andrew Leeds, an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Instructor in EMDR.
For more information about EMDR check out these links:
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
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