What is EMDR? 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy designed to help individuals manage trauma and distressing life experiences. It is particularly effective at reducing the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, allowing people to process and resolve the lingering effects of those experiences. EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro and has since become a widely recognized and evidence-based treatment for trauma-related issues.

What can it help with? 
While EMDR is most commonly associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it is effective for a wide range of issues, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Phobias
• Complicated grief
• Sexual assault or abuse
• Childhood trauma or neglect
• Military combat trauma
• Substance use disorders
• Chronic pain and somatic symptoms

How does it help?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps by enabling individuals to process and manage traumatic or distressing memories that are “stuck” or unresolved. These memories often cause emotional, psychological, or even physical symptoms, such as anxiety, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. EMDR works to reduce the emotional intensity of these memories and replace negative beliefs with healthier, more adaptive ones, ultimately promoting emotional relief and personal growth.