E M D R               

In 1987, psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. Through diligent research and experimentation, Dr. Shapiro developed a powerful form of Adaptive Information Processing therapy. EMDR therapy is therefore far more than just eye movements but a structured process of working through all the elements which constitute the traumatic memory. To date, over 50,000 clinicians around the world have been trained in this method.

Since 1990, there has been more research done on EMDR as a treatment for post-traumatic stress than on any other form of treatment. While it is not yet completely understood just how EMDR works, there is no doubt of its effectiveness in this area. In more recent years, new applications of EMDR have been developed and there is beginning to be some research done in these areas too.

 

EMDR for Traumatic Memories

EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain functions.  Often the brain deals with the memories of disturbing events, but sometimes it is as though the memory gets stuck, as though there is a part of you that is still back there in the memory. When this is the case, EMDR seems to be able to kick-start an accelerated natural healing process that allows the memory to move into the past.

 

Other Applications of EMDR

The practice of EMDR has been adapted and expanded for other uses beyond trauma work, such as the development of inner strengths and resources, the treatment of addictions and eating disorders, and performance enhancement.

 

Links

For more information (including research) about EMDR, you may want to visit these websites:

The EMDR Institute: www.emdr.com

EMDRIA, the International EMDR Association: www.emdria.org