Kate is a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist with 17 years experience using EMDR.
EMDR works. The value of EMDR is that it seems to have a direct effect on how the brain processes information, so that normal processing of the event or experience is restarted.
EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective trauma treatment; recommended worldwide in the practice guidelines of both domestic and international organizations. Therapists have reported success using EMDR with:
EMDR is a physiologically based therapy that unblocks the impact of the distressing experience, so the mind and body can naturally heal.
- Panic attacks
- Complicated grief
- Disturbing events and memories
- Pain disorders
- Performance anxiety
- Stress reduction
- Addictions
The goal of EMDR therapy is to reduce the negative impact of distressing life events on your current emotions, thoughts and behaviour, and leave you with emotions and understanding that lead to healthier behaviours and interactions.
With chronic upset or stress, or single event shocks, research shows that our brain cannot process information the way it ordinarily does. That means we are unable to fully process the stress or event, and it gets stored as a state that can push us toward unhelpful emotions, thoughts and actions.
Think of EMDR as a physiologically based therapy that unblocks the impact of the distressing experience, so the mind and body can naturally heal.
More Information
For further information check out these EMDR resources:
Research
For an annotated list of research see the EMDR Institute’s Research Overview.
World Health Organization (2013). Guidelines for the Management of Conditions That are Specifically Related to Stress. Geneva, WHO.
• Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents and adults with PTSD.
American Psychiatric Association (2004). Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines.
• EMDR therapy was determined to be an effective treatment of trauma.
Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (2004, 2010). VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress. Washington, DC.
• EMDR therapy was placed in the “A” category as “strongly recommended” for the treatment of trauma.