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What is EMDR Therapy?
The letters EMDR stand for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy.
Dr. Francine Shapiro (1948-2019) was an American psychologist who developed EMDR as a method to help people experiencing distress.
EMDR therapists guide clients through bilateral stimulation. This usually involves eye movements, but other methods may also be used in some instances. This is done while using structured therapeutic processes to help clients reduce the distress related to memories of traumatic events.
How Does it Work?
When we experience a traumatic, distressing event, our mind and body goes into an emergency alert phase. Also known as fight/flight/freeze. This is a survival tactic that allows us to keep ourselves alive while the event is happening.
Sometimes the memories of that traumatic event cause us to still feel that fight/flight/freeze mode for a long time after the event is over, even if logically we know we are safe now, we still feel like we are in danger.
EMDR helps our brain to process that memory so we no longer feel in danger. The process is explained in this graphic created by the EMDR International Association.
Is EMDR Therapy Effective?
EMDR therapy is considered evidence-based treatment because there have been so many scientific studies on EMDR over the years that have repeatedly shown this therapeutic technique has been helpful to many people.
What Kinds of Problems is it for?
While originally EMDR therapy was focused on helping those experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, EMDR therapy can also be effective for people experiencing depression, anxiety, and other forms of distress resulting from past trauma.
Will it Help Me?
Every person is different, and it would be best to discuss your personal situation with a trained EMDR therapist who can work with you to design an approach that will best meet your needs. We have many therapists who offer EMDR therapy. You can read more details about this service on our EMDR service page Here.
Click on our OK Clinical EMDR Counselling Team page to learn more and read more about each of the counsellors that offer EMDR therapy; or let us do the work of matching you with someone who will fit your needs by filling out this online form and specify that you are looking for EMDR therapy.
If you have any questions you can call us at 250-718-9291 or email us at [email protected] or chat with us online at OKClinical.com
Written by: Tami Muhlert, Practicum Student
