Everything You Need To Know About Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing; The New Type Of Psychotherapy

Bilateral Stimulation

EMDR is two-fold in its approach. While the therapist engages the client in a series of lateral eye movements involving back-and-forth motions, the client is asked to call to mind the trauma from their past. This can involve recalling an actual memory or bringing to mind an object or symbol that is inherently linked to the traumatic event in the client’s mind. Together, this is referred to as bilateral stimulation. Therapists can also engage clients in other forms of bilateral stimulation, including a tapping tool used on the back of the client's hand or the use of headphones that play music geared specifically for EMDR.

EMDR Can Be Used to Treat Many Disorders

EMDR has been shown to be effective at treating more than just PTSD, although that was what EMDR was originally developed to help treat. Of course, it is entirely possible for individuals to have traumatic memories without developing symptoms of PTSD. In fact, there have been studies to back anecdotal evidence that EMDR can successfully treat symptoms of disorders and issues such as Borderline Personality Disorder, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, fears and phobias, unrealistic feelings of guilt and shame, relationship issues, and difficulty trusting others. EMDR has also been used with those with addictions as well as individuals who are on the autism spectrum.