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What is EMDR & why do we use it?
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a method to treat people who
have disturbing or traumatic memories. EMDR has been extensively
researched (See EMDR link) and proven effective for the treatment of
trauma, specifically for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a
psychological disorder that occurs when the brain, body and mind are
unable to process (understand and prevent reoccurrence) what has
happened in a way that allows the person to learn and heal from it.
Untreated traumatic events may lead to symptoms such as depression,
nightmares, intrusive thoughts and flashbacks (which bring back the fear
and disturbing details of the original experience). EMDR mimics the
brains natural way of processing information by using eye movements and
other types of bilateral stimulation.
One of the most difficult aspects of PTSD
is that present day experiences which have nothing to do with the
originally traumatizing event, have the power to 'activate' the networks
in the brain that created the disturbing aftereffects. Thus, the person
ends up being 'triggered' by such ordinary daily events as smells,
sounds and sights reminiscent off the original event, leaving them in a
state of discomfort similar to that experienced during the trauma. This
makes everyday life a minefield of potential triggers, never knowing
when one will be set off. An example would be the smell of the cologne
worn by a child's abuser, once the child was grown. This is typical of
the type of 'somatic clearing' that can be expected with EMDR. Once
treated successfully, the smell would no longer have the power to
'trigger' the same visceral response.
EMDR is effective for any kind of
upsetting, problematic or stressful event that causes people to have
some level of dysfunction in their life whether it’s anxiety, panic,
phobias, depression or PTSD. Only trained mental health practitioners in
EMDR should provide this treatment.
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