EMDR is short for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing”, or Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), and involves the use of techniques such as eye movements, tapping, butterfly hugs and alternating tones heard through headphones. EMDR and BLS seem to provide the same type of processing that occurs in the brain during REM sleep, when the eyes move rapidly as the brain processes events of the day.

Intense events or trauma often create intense reactions in us. Examples might be :

• car accident
• natural disaster
• physical attack or rape
• sudden loss of a loved one
• trauma from childhood

Sensations, thoughts and emotions accompanying the event(s) become stuck in our memory and can create unwanted responses such as anxiety, anger, phobias, problems sleeping and even physical pain.  EMDR enhances the brain’s ability to process and resolve these events – it generally resolves issues in a much shorter period of time than traditional talk therapy.

It is important to note EMDR is not hypnosis and does not involve suggestion. The brain does its own work under the guidance of a trained EMDR professional. The therapist’s role is to assist with the healing process.

Please contact me for more information on EMDR or to discuss if this treatment might be helpful for you.