EMDR is a unique therapy designed to help people heal from traumatic experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980s, it offers a way to process difficult memories that continue to cause distress.
The therapy works by understanding how trauma can become "stuck" in our brain's memory system. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses guided eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) while processing difficult memories. This helps the brain reprocess these memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact.
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase approach that helps people safely work through traumatic experiences. Research consistently shows it's particularly effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often helping people feel better in fewer sessions than traditional therapies. While originally developed for trauma, it's now also used to help with anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges.
Reference: Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. Guilford Publications.
