EMDR or "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing" is a method for rapidly resolving traumatic memories.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that EMDR can reduce the symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). It is a prefered method for helping War Veterans and is widely used with victims of assault, disasters, car crashes, and childhood abuse.

EMDR is also effective at removing the sting from more 'routine' memories from childhood. I'm refering to those embarassing, humiliating memories that feel just as sharp today as they did the day they happened.

Whether you are suffering from memories of major traumatic experiences, or if you are bothered by other painful events from your past, EMDR can often help you feel better in just a few sessions.

The philosophy behind EMDR states that we handle most negative events in life naturally. Our brain 'digests' memories, learning from experience and discarding that which has no value. However, some experiences get stuck, and do not naturally resolve. Expecially when we experience danger, traumatic experiences get stored in dysfunctional ways, and memories do not get 'digested' properly. EMDR singles out those stuck memories and allows the brain to reprocess and resolve them.

EMDR is a complete and detailed psychological approach, but it has several basic components. A typical EMDR session includes choosing a particular memory, and identifying thoughts, feelings, and body sensations associated with that memory. Then Eye Movement or another form of bilateral stimulation is used, to process and resolve the memory productively.

Bilateral stimulation typically involves moving your eyes back and forth, following a therapist's fingers or a bar with lights on it (and this is not hypnosis). Bilateral stimulation can also be accomplished with audio tones through headphones, or tactile pressure in the palms of your hands. The purpose is to activate and integrate 'memory networks' in the brain.

The back-and-forth motion of the eyes in EMDR may be similar to R.E.M. (rapid eye movement), which occurs when we dream. Just as dreams sometimes help us sort out and resolve issues, EMDR seems to resolve trauma by activating and integrating different 'memory networks' in the brain.

With EMDR, it is your brain that is doing the healing and you are in control.