E. M. D. R.
The letters stand for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
Research is demonstrating that EMDR is effective in treating trauma or abuse victim issues and PTSD.
An appropriate explanation of EMDR for understanding is dependent upon age,background, experience and sophistication of a person. An explanation as written by original authors in the 1990’s: “When a disturbing event occurs, it can get locked in the nervous system with the original picture, sounds, thoughts and feelings. This material can combine factual material with fantasy and with images that stand for the actual event or feelings about it. EMDR seems to unlock the nervous system and allows the brain to process the experience. That may be what is happening in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) or dream sleep – the eye movements may help to process the unconscious material. It is important to remember that it is your own brain that will be doing the healing and that you are the one in control.”
The more psychologists research and develop EMDR procedures, the more it appears it should actually be called Central Nervous System Bilateral Stimulation Desensitization and Reprocessing. The process can be very effective using rhythmic, back and forth, eye movements, stereo audio input, or touch (tapping) to opposite sides of the body. One of the very important aspects of this procedure is the repeated rhythmic activation of the two hemispheres of the brain (Central Nervous System) while a psychologist gently guides the process.
Professionals in the United Kingdom speak in terms of “Split Attention” being an important factor in the healing with EMDR. Our experience and understanding lead us to prefer the concept of “Bilateral Connecting Stimulation and Integrating Attention” as being a more useful way to understand two of the important healing factors in EMDR
It is not hypnosis, and during the process a person/client is in control and can stop the EMDR if he/she feels the need to stop.
Dr Roberts and I are both trained and experienced in EMDR.
For a life you value.
Some people do not realize: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder does not have to be a life-long problem. I work to tap into Post Traumatic Growth Potential.
We have successfully used EMDR with adults and young children.
We know we don’t succeed unless you do.