Eye Movement Desentization Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR is an evidence-based eight-phase psychotherapy treatment that helps you tie current symptoms to negative beliefs and unresolved stressful events that have fuelled and strengthened those beliefs. The goal of EMDR therapy is to reformulate negative beliefs hindering personal growth, relieve distress caused by trauma or adverse experiences, and reduce the heightened physiological arousal that comes with painful memories.​

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EMDR combines aspects of several well-established clinical theoretical orientations (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioural, etc.) together with "bilateral stimulation" in a unique way to dissipate the upset associated with negative experiences.​​​​ Bilateral stimulation (BLS) refers to the use of a stimulus that is presented to both sides of the body. The most traditional form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy is eye movements, but other forms such as auditory bilateral stimulation (using tones or taps) and tactile bilateral stimulation (using pulsars or vibration) can also be used.

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​Bilateral stimulation is thought to work in EMDR by activating both sides of the brain which allows for the processing of memories, emotions, and incidents that are stuck in the nervous system. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to change maladaptive neural networks by connecting the negative memory/belief with new information. The distressing thoughts and emotions are then blended with new positive thoughts and emotions.

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Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, PTSD, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that EMDR therapists in 130 countries have successfully treated millions.

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