EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR’s treatment goal is to target an unprocessed memory that proves to be an ongoing trigger for the client and overtime reduce the emotional blockage associated with the memory in the client’s mind. By the end of treatment sessions, the desired outcome will be that the power a traumatic memory holds over a client’s life will be weakened or dismantled completely. The clinician uses a combination of tones, vibrations and the utilization of eye movements in conjunction with the client meditating upon a traumatic memory. The potent emotions, emotional stunting and other related systems begin to wane following the use of repetitive bilateral stimulation while the client mentally revisits their memory.

EMDR was originally developed to treat Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD).  In the past 33 years, EMDR has proven to have a faster impact than many other methods of talk therapy. In a study conducted by Kaiser Permanente, after providing six 50-minute EMDR sessions on PTSD clients, 77% of those with multi-trauma experiences and 100% with single-trauma experiences were deemed PTSD free. EMDR therapy has now been administered effectively to treat other mental health struggles including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and behavioral issues.