Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective therapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences; including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. 

Unlike most forms of talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on the traumatic event itself and more on the negative beliefs that formed as a result from the event. EMDR therapy does not require detailed discussion about the trauma or completing extra work between sessions. Rather than focusing on changing the emotions or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, EMDR uses bilateral simulation in the form of eye movements or tapping to allow the brain to resume its natural healing process. 

Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events, but sometimes we need some extra help to process these memories. Stress responses are a normal part of our natural “fight or flight” instincts. This stress resulting from a traumatic event can often be resolved spontaneously; but sometimes the distress from the disturbing event keeps you feeling locked in that “fight or flight” emotional state. This can result in disturbing or overwhelming thoughts and emotions long after the event has ended. EMDR helps the brain process these stressful memories and allow natural healing to occur. The experience will still be remembered, but the high-stress “fight or flight” response from the event will be resolved.