Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

This integrative therapy approach is extremely effective for posttraumatic stress and trauma resolution. EMDR is based on the idea that symptoms of distress experienced in the present are due to trauma or disturbing life events that are locked in the nervous system, stored as memory networks in the brain. When a traumatic event occurs normal information processing is disrupted. As a result, when the memory is brought to mind, the feelings are re-experienced rather than simply remembered.

EMDR can help to restart and speed up processing so that the feelings associated with trauma are no longer attached to the memory, alleviating symptoms of distress. The trained therapist guides the individual in the focus of a memory or emotion, while providing alternating bilateral stimulation of some type. It is believed that this alternating left-right attention, which occurs naturally when dreaming, accelerates the healing process.