"EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing"

EMDR is used to treat combat veterans; phobics; traumatized children; those recovering from loss and grief; as well as victims of panic disorders, crime, accidents, sexual assault, sexual disfunction, burns and a variety of other diagnoses. On the positive side, it can enhance creativity in high-functioning people.

In a typical EMDR session, the therapist asks the client for specific information about his/her cognitive, somatic and emotional experience of the traumatic memory, followed by a period when the client "processes" the problem internally. The processing involves stimulation of both sides of the brain, accomplished though eye movements, beeps in alternating ears, pulses in alternating hands, specially recorded music or tapping of alternate knees. It continues until the negative thoughts and uncomfortable feelings/sensations have been neutralized.

A defining characteristic of EMDR is the speed in which trauma is resolved. For many victims of recent trauma, such as an auto accident, three sessions are all that are required to eliminate the symptoms which interfere with normal functioning. Other important features are its holistic and spiritual dimensions and its ability to strengthen a client's trust in him/herself as a self-healing organism.