EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is a therapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms & emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.  Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference.  Some of the studies show that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after only three 90-minute sessions.  Another study, funded by the HMO Kaiser Permanente, found that 100% of the single-trauma victims & 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer were diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute sessions. In another study, 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD in 12 sessions. **While these results cannot be guaranteed for everyone, these studies show that this modality has the potential to change the lives of those suffering from the effects of trauma.   

EMDR therapy combines different elements to maximize treatment effects.  A full description of the theory, sequence of treatment, & research on protocols & active mechanisms can be found in Francine Shapiro's 2001 book 'Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing:  Basic Principles, Protocols & Procedures'. 

EMDR therapy involves attention to three time periods:  the past, present, & future.  Focus is given to past disturbing memories & related events.  Also, it is given to current situations that cause distress, & also to developing the skills & attitudes needed for positive future actions.  

EMDR is also an eight-phased treatment method. The phases are broken up into history taking, client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, & examining the progress of the treatment. 

**EMDR is an individual / one-on-one session & can only be done in person -- not via Telehealth. 

All quoted references belong to www.EMDR.com