What is Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)?

What is Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. EMDR is a type of therapy that can be used to treat various mental health conditions, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR involves a series of standardized procedures that incorporate elements from different therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and body-centered therapy. During an EMDR session, a trained therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements while they focus on a traumatic memory or other distressing experience. The theory behind EMDR is that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, causing ongoing distress and symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. The eye movements used in EMDR are thought to stimulate the brain’s information processing system, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed and integrated into more adaptive neural networks. EMDR has been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and phobias. It is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include medication, individual therapy, and group therapy. Shervan K Shahhian