EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful new method of doing psychotherapy. To date it has relieved close to a million people all over the world of various kinds of psychological distress. Discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro through chance observation in 1987, EMDR has become one of the most researched psychotherapeutic interventions in modern times. Originally used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), protocols have been developed to treat a variety of ailments, most notably in our work here at Park Presidio, anxiety, sexual and/or physical abuse, phobias, stress and complicated grief. We also use it to help enhance performance in the areas of work, athletics and creativity.

While no one knows exactly how EMDR works, according to the EMDR International Organization (EMDRIA), to which senior therapists here at PPCC belong, "We do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily...EMDR seems to have an effect on the way that the brain functions. Normal information processing is resumed ." The traumatic event or situation is remembered but is less upsetting. ".EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way."

EMDR may be used as an adjunct to regular "talk therapy" or as a treatment all by itself. Please contact one of our counselors to see if EMDR may be helpful to you.