EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective especially for the treatment of trauma.

According to EMDRIA, the EMDR International Association, EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR  treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems,  and somatic symptoms. 

The model on which EMDR is based,  Adaptive Information  Processing  (AIP), posits that much of psychopathology is due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences. This impairs the client’s ability to integrate these experiences in an adaptive manner. The eight-phase, three-pronged process of EMDR facilitates the resumption of normal information processing and integration.

 

This treatment approach, which targets

  • past experience, 

  • current triggers, and 

  • future potential challenges

 

results in:

  • the alleviation of presenting symptoms, 

  • a decrease or elimination of distress from the disturbing memory, 

  • improved view of the self,

  • relief from bodily disturbance, and

  • resolution of present and future anticipated triggers.  

 

In the broadest sense, EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach intended to treat psychological disorders, to alleviate human suffering and to assist individuals to fulfill their potential for development, while minimizing risks of harm in its application. 

 

We have obtained fantastic results using the EMDR protocols. It really depends on the readiness of the client and the experience of the therapist in selecting the targets and guiding the process. When clients are not ready to process negative memories because their level of tolerance to affect is low, or because the system is too dysregulated, we work on reaching readiness. 

 

The outcome of the EMDR therapeutic process could modify thoughts, feelings, and behavior; all robust indicators of the achieved emotional health and resolution —achieved without the need to disclose more than you want to, or having to do homework, like in other therapies.

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