EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

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 Think of traumatic memories as frozen images locked in the brain - tied in their own biochemical package.  Although no one is entirely sure why, eye movement unties the package and allows the trauma to be released and processed to an acceptable resolution.  Many experts believe that when skillfully administered, this technique acts as a kind of jump start to a natural human mechanism for processing thoughts and incorporating them into memory - not unlike the kind of natural cleansing cycle found in REM sleep. 

 It is estimated that worldwide over 15,000 specially trained clinicians are utilizing EMDR techniques for both adults and children, with often times dramatic results.  Rape victims, child abuse victims, accident victims, police, fire, rescue personnel and people paralyzed by lifelong phobias, as we as those suffering from grief and divorce are able to live happy, productive lives after EMDR.

And for combat veterans suffering with once intractable post-traumatic stress disorders, EMDR treatment has proven invaluable, allowing many to sleep the night for the first time in decades.  EMDR therapy is now an accepted treatment at VA medical centers across the country and has recently emerged as an alternative to conventional therapies among PTSD specialists throughout the world.

 In the wake of disasters such as Hurricane Andrew, the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, and the Oklahoma City bombing, disaster relief operations have used EMDR with increasing frequency.  EMDR has proven effective, not only in helping survivors cope, but in enabling emergency rescue workers get past the emotional horrors of their work. 

 While I do not believe that EMDR is a cure-all, or that every problem can be fully treated in just a few sessions, I believe EMDR is one of the most powerful life-changing tools we have at our disposal today.  If you or someone you love is suffering from anxiety or pain, you owe it to yourself to give me a call.  I will be happy to answer any questions that you might have.