Erica Berman, PhD
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that allows people to heal from trauma and emotionally disturbing experiences.
EMDR can reduce or eliminate the long-lasting effects of distressing memories
Erica Berman, PhD
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that allows people to heal from trauma and emotionally disturbing experiences.
EMDR can reduce or eliminate the long-lasting effects of distressing memories (or associated negative cognitions) by engaging the brain's natural adaptive information processing mechanisms, thereby relieving present symptoms. The therapy uses an eight-phase approach that includes having the patient recall distressing images while receiving one of several types of bilateral sensory input, such as side to side eye movements, auditory beeps or hand pulses.
In other words, when disturbing information gets stored in the nervous system, it causes chronic pain, distress or dysfunction, EMDR helps people reprocess the information in a way that eliminates the suffering.
EMDR is not hypnosis, it does not involve the client losing awareness or consciousness, and it does not eliminate the actual memory. It simply removes the physical/emotional charge or stimulus that accompanies the memory.
It is used primarily for PTSD, but also for generalized anxiety, grief and loss, phobias, and dysfunctional negative cognitions (I am worthless, I am stupid, I am powerless, I am in danger, etc.) that are causing distress and/or somatic symptoms for clients.
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