EMDR THERAPY
EMDR therapy (eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy) is a trauma focused approach that acknowledges the impact of all forms of trauma on the mind and body. The initial phases of EMDR are focused on building trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship as well as “resourcing”. Resourcing helps clients develop coping skills and improve their capacity for self-regulation before moving onto the phase of treatment where traumatic memories are reprocessed and reintegrated in a healthier way. The reprocessing part of therapy involves either therapist led eye movements or tapping while recalling a disturbing memory. Over time, the body is able to have more adaptive responses to the memory and/or triggers rather than the learned trauma responses. If this doesn’t make complete sense- that’s ok! The process is explained more carefully and slowly to all patients who are interested in this work.
A few links for more information:
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/emdr-what-is-it