How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR processes traumatic memories through the use of bilateral stimulation helping the mind to heal
Short History of EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy to help the brain to relearn and resolve stresses of various kinds. EMDR was a discovery of Francine Shapiro in 1989. While spending time in a park she noticed through her eye movements that some of her upsetting emotions subsided. She then began the journey of research which has evolved to the present day practice of EMDR Therapy.
Presently there are over 10,000 trained clinicians worldwide in EMDR Therapy and EMDR is recognized by the following organizations:
- American Psychiatric Association
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
- U. S. Dept of Defense
- World Health Organization
- And many other national and international organizations.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
What is the process of EMDR? It is an 8-phase therapy process which is both thorough and sound in its therapeutic approach to help resolve many stresses, emotional, and relational issues.
EMDR is a bilateral stimulation of the two hemispheres of the brain.
How EMDR works in the mind and brain
Though EMDR cannot be completely observable but through fMRIs and SPECT imaging of brains performed prior to EMDR Treatment and post EMDR Treatment it reveals significant changes in the way the brain functions.
The specific ‘how’ of how EMDR works is more theoretical based on the science that is known. The bilateral stimulation of eye movements in EMDR appears to stimulate the two hemispheres of the brain which accelerates the movement of information in the brain to help resolve the emotional and mental issues experience. This process is called the AIP model of learning (accelerated information processing).
The results for single and complex PTSD differ as most research has been performed on single incident PTSD. Complex PTSD is more difficult and therefore other therapies along with EMDR are utilized to resolve the Complex Post-traumatic Disorder. Results for other issues have shown to improve mood, cognitive function, relationship improvements, as well as job/task performance.
EMDR has been proven to help people resolve their issues. Are you ready to move forward in your life and improve the quality of your life? Call today and book your session!
Written by: James A. Miklos, M.C.C., R.P. - James has been counselling, providing mental health therapy for over 30 years, is a public speaker and writer.
© 2019 James A. Miklos. All rights reserved. To copy or quote any of this material this entire citation and credit must be posted.
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