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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It involves a structured eight-phase approach where clients recall traumatic events while undergoing bilateral sensory input, most commonly in the form of guided eye movements.

The exact mechanism of EMDR isn't fully understood, but it's believed that the bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements) helps the brain process distressing memories, making them less vivid and disturbing. While initially developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR has since been found effective for a variety of psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and certain phobias. EMDR has been adapted for children and can be an effective treatment for trauma and other distressing experiences in children and adolescents.

No. While both involve focused attention, EMDR does not involve a trance state or suggestibility like hypnosis. The client remains alert and in control throughout the session.

While traditional talk therapy often involves discussing distressing events at length, EMDR focuses on processing distressing memories with limited detailed discussion. The bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) is unique to EMDR and is not used in traditional talk therapy. You do not have to go into deep detail about the traumatic event. The aim is to process the memory without re-traumatizing the individual. I will guide you through the process with this in mind.

An EMDR session typically lasts 50-90 minutes. The number of sessions required can vary depending on the individual and the nature of their trauma. Some individuals might experience increased memories or dreams related to the trauma, heightened emotions, or physical sensations following a session. However, these effects are generally temporary and diminish as therapy progresses.

Yes. Numerous research studies have shown EMDR to be effective for the treatment of trauma. It's recognized as an effective form of trauma therapy by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).