Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapy method that has helped over 2 million people alleviate many types of psychological distress. Approximately 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR and these studies have shown EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment for trauma, anxiety and other psychological issues.
EMDR is based on the concept that when a disturbing event or trauma occurs, it can get locked in the nervous system with the original pictures, sounds, thoughts and feelings. The eye movements and other bilateral stimulation used in EMDR seem to unlock the nervous system and allow the mind and body to process the experience This may be similar to when happens during REM or dream sleep—the eye movements help process the unconscious material. During an EMDR therapy session, the therapist may guide the client through bilateral stimulation either through eye movements, a headset with bilateral sound stimulation, hand sensors or tapping depending on the client’s preference. It is the client’s own brain that is doing the healing and he or she is the one in control and is completely conscious throughout the therapy session. A typical EMDR session lasts 60-90 minutes and the number of sessions needed depends on factors such as the type of problem being addressed, life circumstances and the amount of previous trauma, although EMDR can be extremely efficient and effectively in rapidly reducing negative symptoms of various psychological issues.
Currently UB’s Joyce Marter, LCPC, and Christine Vacin, LSW, are undergoing training for EMDR and are able to conduct EMDR therapy sessions. For more information, please contact UB’s Intake Coordinator, Andria Emerick at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 888-726-7170.
More info on EMDR:
Click Pic to Visit the EMDR International Association's site
What is EMDR? http://www.emdria.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=56
How does EMDR work? http://www.emdria.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=2
What kinds of problems can EMDR treat? http://www.emdria.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=57
Video of a sample EMDR session: http://wn.com/window_to_an_emdr_session
http://www.urbanbalance.org/UB-Wellness-Resources/Clinical-Development.html