EMDR: Bridging the Past to the Present

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was originally created by  psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.

EMDR is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals address present challenges, such as self-esteem issues, by delving into past experiences and memories influencing their thoughts, emotions, and daily sensations. Its effectiveness lies in assisting individuals in overcoming obstacles that may be keeping them from leading the life they desire.

For example, if you have been through a significant trauma, when triggered, you might find yourself transported back to the day or moment the traumatic event happened. It can feel as though you are present in the here and now, but your mind and body isn’t. Your body and mind may respond with panic-like symptoms, increased heart rate, sweating, and racing thoughts. You may feel strong emotions such as frustration, anger, and hopelessness which could impact various aspects of your life, including your work, school, and/or relationships. Additionally, you might find yourself engaging in various avoidance behaviors, such as increased substance use, as a way of escaping reminders of the traumatic event(s).

What problems can EMDR help with?

Although originally created to support those with trauma, it has now shown to be effective in treating in a variety of different conditions.

These include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Self esteem difficulties

• Phobias

• Grief and loss

• Complex trauma

How does EMDR work and what changes might I see?

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to support the brain in working through historical events that might have deeply affected them, leading to various outcomes, including:  

• Reduced distress and emotional activation when recalling past events

• Reduced intensity and frequency of symptoms

• Improved daily functioning and improved relationships

• Reduced avoidance behaviors

• Increased presence and connection to one's life

If you think that EMDR might help you, please don’t hesitate to reach out today to learn more.

To delve deeper into EMDR, you can explore the following resources:

• EMDRIA - About EMDR Therapy

• APA - Eye Movement Reprocessing

• YouTube - Understanding EMDR Therapy

• YouTube - EMDR Explained

** It's important to note that while EMDR has shown to be effective in reducing mental health symptoms in many studies, the specific mechanisms underlying its effectiveness continues to be researched and discussed.