Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a mental health treatment technique designed to address the impact of traumatic memories and distressing life experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD, EMDR has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating various conditions, with its primary focus on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR involves a unique approach where the individual processes traumatic memories while engaging in specific eye movements. These movements facilitate the reprocessing of distressing experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require extensive verbal discussion of the traumatic event. Instead, it targets the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors associated with the trauma.
The goal is to allow the brain’s natural healing process to resume, promoting emotional recovery.
EMDR relies on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which explains how the brain stores memories differently during normal events versus traumatic ones.
In normal situations, memories are stored smoothly and interconnected. However, during distressing events, this networking process is disrupted.
The AIP model recognizes that traumatic memories remain unprocessed, leading to emotional distress. EMDR aims to correct this by facilitating proper memory reprocessing.