EMDR

EMDR is used as an “alternative” treatment for some mental health disorders and emotional issues (such as anxiety, panic, phobias, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, grief, past abuse and trauma).  It has been used extensively for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

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EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. in 1987. One day, while walking in a park, Dr. Shapiro made a connection between her involuntary eye movements and the reduction of her negative thoughts. She decided to explore this link and began to study eye movements in relation to the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, right/left eye movement, or tactile stimulation, which repeatedly activates the opposite sides of the brain, releasing emotional experiences that are "trapped" in the nervous system. This assists the neurophysiological system, the basis of the mind/body connection, to free itself of blockages and reconnect itself.  As troubling images and feelings are processed by the brain via the eye-movement patterns of EMDR, resolution of the issues and a more peaceful state are achieved.

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