EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Processing.

By working with the therapist to access the memory network to find the source of any distress (it’s not always obvious what the source is and is interesting when it appears), reprocessing this memory to reduce distress from the past, to work on present triggers and focus on future strategies.

Once the individual is ready for the reprocessing stage and the memory has been identified, Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is introduced for the memory/memories to be processed, using eye movements (left to right), although tapping and audio BLS could also be used.

When we are asleep and in REM stages of deeper sleep, our memories of the day are processed and filed away in the brain’s filing cabinet so we don’t really think of them any more. Our brains filter out the useful memories of the day, to learn from and discards those that are not helpful to us. Sometimes we have vivid dreams, which is the brain processing these events, or have strange dreams that make no sense at all …. this all happens in the REM stages of sleep. But …. sometimes, our brain isn’t able to process an event fully and it stays in the memory network unprocessed, creating havoc and forming beliefs about ourselves, or events, that are not helpful at all and actually, not really true either. In EMDR, the eye movements replicate the same eye movements that would take place in REM stages of sleep. So in essence, processing the memory that’s not helpful, so it is filed away and doesn’t cause any more issues, all while we are awake.

Yes, it can help treat PTSD, but also for ……

Attachment Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Chronic Pain

Depression

Eating Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Panic Disorder

Self Esteem