What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. It is a therapy that has been proven to be highly effective for those who have experienced trauma. In addition, research shows EMDR as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.

Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior and emotion). While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help.

Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or 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, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.

Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy helps children and adults of all ages. Therapists use EMDR to address a wide range of challenges including:

Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Chronic Illness, Medical issues, Depression, Bipolar disorders, Dissociative disorders, Eating disorders, Grief and loss, Pain, Performance anxiety, Personality disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues, Sexual assault, Sleep disturbance, Substance abuse, Addiction, Violence and Abuse.

What is an EMDRIA Certified Therapist?

Many therapists are trained in EMDR, but not all are EMDRIA Certified. Basic training means a therapist has completed the introductory coursework and can begin using EMDR in their practice. An EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ has completed advanced training, received extensive consultation from EMDR experts, and demonstrated proficiency in using EMDR effectively and ethically. This certification reflects a higher level of experience and ensures that you’re working with someone who has met rigorous professional standards.

An EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ has engaged in at least 20 hours of consultation with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant™ for EMDR and has practiced their skills with at least 25 different clients in at least 50 EMDR sessions. An EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ has voluntarily met standards of consultation, clinical practice, and continuing education to provide EMDR therapy. An EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ is committed to fulfill ethical standards and is engaged in continuing education. To maintain this certification, a therapist must continue to satisfy the EMDRIA requirement including completion of continuing education requirements and adherence to ethical standards.

Sources: EMDRIA.org; Maxfield, L. (2019) A clinician’s guide to the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research [Editorial], 13(4), 239-246.