What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of psychotherapy developed in the late eighties by Francine Shapiro that uses an integrated and structured approach. Research has shown that EMDR is effective in resolving trauma symptoms resulting from disturbing and/or unaddressed life experiences (for example sexual violence or vicarious trauma experienced by first responders). Multiple clinical trials have been conducted to assess EMDR’s efficacy in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
How Does EMDR Work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was originally developed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989a, 1989b, 2001). The Adaptive Information Processing model posits that EMDR facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories to bring these to resolution.
For additional information please visit the following websites:
The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
EMDR Canada
The EMDR Institute
Please also feel free to watch a brief news clip and a brief description of EMDR:
CBS News – EMDR and PTSD
Dr. William Zangwill
