The acronym EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1989 and has been used successfully to help people challenged by trauma, anxiety, specific phobias, panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, performance anxiety, chronic pain, complicated mourning, stress, and addictions.
It is believed that memories of traumatic events can at times remain unprocessed and therefore cause the person who experienced the trauma to be plagued by dysfunctional symptoms and reactions. These problems can have a debilitating effect on their lives. In association with psychotherapy, EMDR therapy can afford many individuals relief that has otherwise been difficult to achieve.
I was trained in EMDR therapy (Part I & Part II) in 2004/2005 and have been successfully treating clients with traumatic memories and experiences since that time! EMDR therapy is now accepted by many organizations and agencies for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, including:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Defense
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
United Kingdom Department of Health
Dutch National Steering Committee Guidelines for Mental Health Care