Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced based treatment proven to help people recover from distressing experiences that are often associated with mental health concerns such as PTSD, anxiety, phobias, panic disorders, sleep disturbance, performance anxiety, grief and loss, and depression.

EMDR is a structured, 8 phase protocol used to change the way traumatic information and experiences are stored in the brain. EMDR involves bringing to mind distressing events while simultaneously using Bilateral Stimulation (BLS). BLS is done with sets of repetitive back and forth movements in the form of visual eye movements, tactile self-tapping or hand held buzzers, and/or auditory sounds.

EMDR is not hypnosis, and will not make you forget the painful experiences. The memories however will become far less upsetting. This occurs because during EMDR the experiences will be “rewired” and stored in the brain differently so they are recognized as part of the past, instead of being relived over and over as though they were happening in the present; you will be able to recall them but with less intensity.

Watch the video below courtesy of EMDR International Association.