What is EMDR and How Does it Work?

According to the EMDR Institute, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR  is a form of psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
                 Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal.  EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.  When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound.  If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain.  Once the block is removed, healing resumes. 
               EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes.  The brains information processing system naturally moves toward mental health.  If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering.  Once the block is removed, healing resumes.  Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes.
               More than 30 positive controlled outcome studies have been done on EMDR therapy.  Some of the studies show that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after only three 90-minute sessions.
For more information or to schedule an EMDR session, call Acacia Wellness Center at 208-498-1760