What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR Certified Therapists help clients target distressing memories by using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (such as taps or sounds) while the client recalls the trauma. This process helps rewire how the brain stores and processes emotional experiences, reducing their emotional charge and allowing the individual to integrate the memory in a healthier way.

Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.

Who benefits from EMDR therapy?

EMDR is particularly effective for individuals struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions. It provides a safe, structured environment for clients to revisit painful memories, leading to profound shifts in how they perceive and respond to past trauma. Through EMDR, many people experience a significant reduction in symptoms like intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and hyperarousal, ultimately achieving greater emotional balance and a sense of peace.

Who created EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. While walking in a park one day, Shapiro noticed that her distressing thoughts seemed to lessen when her eyes moved rapidly from side to side. This observation led her to explore the connection between eye movements and emotional healing, ultimately resulting in the creation of EMDR.

Shapiro's groundbreaking work revolutionized trauma therapy by providing a structured approach to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Since its development, EMDR has become a widely recognized and effective treatment for PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions, with extensive research supporting its efficacy.

What does it mean to be EMDR Certified?

An EMDR Certified Therapist has completed advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and has met the standards set by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Certification requires not only completing comprehensive training in EMDR but also demonstrating proficiency in the method through clinical practice and supervision. Additionally, the therapist must provide documentation of their training, experience, and client work, and receive recommendations from other professionals in the field.

EMDR certification ensures that a therapist has the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use EMDR in treating trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges. It reflects a commitment to providing clients with high-quality, evidence-based therapy.

How do I find an EMDR Certified Therapist near me?

The best place to start is by visiting the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website. EMDRIA has a "Find a Therapist" directory that allows you to search for certified EMDR therapists based on your location, therapy specialty, and other preferences.

You can also ask your primary care doctor or another mental health professional for a referral to an EMDR-trained therapist. Many therapists also list their certifications and specializations on their own websites, so you can look for EMDR certification in their credentials.

For additional resources, visit EMDRIA online.