What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, other times they may not be processed without attuned guidance and support. Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, and freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment–as if the body kept the memory alive even after the passing of time. EMDR therapy is not talk-based, so it does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue and clients are not expected to complete homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviours resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to process the memories, resuming its natural healing process. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.

EMDR is an internationally-acclaimed, effective, and evidence-based practice recognized by the following to learn more:

The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs/Dept. of Defense, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the World Health Organization among many other national and international organizations recognize EMDR therapy as an effective and evidence-based treatment.