Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, EMDR, is a WHO approved trauma therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to access trauma memories and reprocess these.
The mind can often heal itself naturally, in the same way as the body does. Much of this natural coping mechanism occurs during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in 1987, utilising this natural process in order to successfully treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since then, EMDR has been used to effectively to treat a wide range of mental health problems.
During EMDR therapy, eye movements, similar to those during REM sleep, will be recreated simply by asking you to watch the therapist's finger moving backwards and forwards across your visual field. Sometimes, pulsating blocks or headphones are used instead. The client is then asked to report back on the experiences they have had during each of these sets of eye movements. Experiences during a session may include changes in thoughts, images and feelings.
With repeated sets of eye movements, the memory tends to change in such a way that it loses its painful intensity and simply becomes a neutral memory of an event in the past. Other associated memories may also heal at the same time. This linking of related memories can lead to a dramatic and rapid improvement in many aspects of the client's life.
EMDR therapy is an intense therapy that has been found to require fewer sessions than other recommended Trauma therapies, such as CBT. It can be used with Art Therapy as it works in a similar way to access unconscious, repressed or trapped trauma memories.
EMDR Therapy is funded by ACC for clients who have suffered sexual abuse.
More information is available from: http://www.emdr.nz/
The mind can often heal itself naturally, in the same way as the body does. Much of this natural coping mechanism occurs during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in 1987, utilising this natural process in order to successfully treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since then, EMDR has been used to effectively to treat a wide range of mental health problems.
During EMDR therapy, eye movements, similar to those during REM sleep, will be recreated simply by asking you to watch the therapist's finger moving backwards and forwards across your visual field. Sometimes, pulsating blocks or headphones are used instead. The client is then asked to report back on the experiences they have had during each of these sets of eye movements. Experiences during a session may include changes in thoughts, images and feelings.
With repeated sets of eye movements, the memory tends to change in such a way that it loses its painful intensity and simply becomes a neutral memory of an event in the past. Other associated memories may also heal at the same time. This linking of related memories can lead to a dramatic and rapid improvement in many aspects of the client's life.
EMDR therapy is an intense therapy that has been found to require fewer sessions than other recommended Trauma therapies, such as CBT. It can be used with Art Therapy as it works in a similar way to access unconscious, repressed or trapped trauma memories.
EMDR Therapy is funded by ACC for clients who have suffered sexual abuse.
More information is available from: http://www.emdr.nz/