What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an 8-phase model the help treat a wide range of emotional and psychological issues, such as complex trauma, PTSD, addiction, phobias, anxiety, depression, and other distressing life experiences. It helps individuals in relieving the "stuckness" one feels when traumatic events activate the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn response past the event/s and impacting other areas of our lives, including relationships with others.
EMDR is a non-invasive approach and utilizes bilateral stimulation (BLS) through eye movements, tapping, hand buzzers, or light bars. BLS activates both sides of the brain similar to the movements of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) during sleep. Don't worry though, there is no sleep needed during this process and you are fully awake and conscious as a full participant in this type of treatment.
EMDR therapy is a case-by-case basis; the amount of sessions used for EMDR processing is dependent on the individual's goals and the complexity of the issues presented in therapy. It is important to know this process should not be rushed.
Although it is understandable that one would prefer relief as soon as possible, having a safe, trustworthy, and solid foundation in therapy (and with your therapist!) is necessary prior to starting EMDR. This may also include other models such as CBT, DBT, ACT, etc., in developing your therapeutic journey as well as to be continued in processing insights, epiphanies, and any other information that may come up while engaging in EMDR.
More information about EMDR can be found here:
