EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy treatment, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, that is effective for resolving emotional difficulties associated with traumatic events or difficult life experiences and is based on the (AIP) adaptive information processing model. The AIP model theorizes that the brain has a tendency to process traumatic or adverse events in a way that keeps them blocked/stuck with the original picture, sounds, thoughts, feelings and body sensations. These bad thoughts and feelings associated with the trauma/adverse event can be activated/triggered and can have a negative impact on our emotional and physical well-being. Through the use of (BLS) bilateral stimulation, EMDR therapy works on helping the brain reprocess these traumatic memories in a more adaptive way and therefore releasing the negative thoughts, body sensations, and feelings that had been causing distress.
EMDR therapy is now validated as an evidence-based approach and included in SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. In addition, EMDR therapy has been validated by over 20 randomized controlled clinical trials (see www.emdrhap.org/emdr_info/researchandresources.php).
For additional information, resources and latest research, you can visit EMDR International Association's website at www.emdria.org .
EMDR therapy is now validated as an evidence-based approach and included in SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. In addition, EMDR therapy has been validated by over 20 randomized controlled clinical trials (see www.emdrhap.org/emdr_info/researchandresources.php).
For additional information, resources and latest research, you can visit EMDR International Association's website at www.emdria.org .
EMDR Therapy and Children
EMDR is beneficial and effective for children/teens as well as adults. Children tend to get “stuck” and keep “yucky/bad thoughts and feelings” from past negative memories and experiences. Through the use of BLS (bilateral stimulation), children are explained that the EMDR process helps chew up and digest all the yucky/bad thoughts and feelings that are associated with a traumatic event or adverse experience and strengthen the good thoughts and feelings that they have. BLS can be presented by moving the eyes back and forth, using headphones that beep alternately or by using “tappers” (small vibrating paddles that the child can hold). The process helps the child release any negative thoughts, body sensations, emotions associated with the bad memory/thought and replace it with good feelings, thoughts and more adaptive information.