Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy technique that was originally intended to lessen the distress associated with traumatic memories.

 

However, its use has been expanded to be helpful with other issues, such as depression, anxiety and addiction.  This technique enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.

 

During EMDR therapy the client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while at the same time focusing on an external stimulus (ex. hand movement, tapping, audio).  This process allows for enhanced information processing therefore increasing understanding and associations related to the target memory and belief.

The new associations are believed to result in complete information processing, improvement of emotional distress, and formation of cognitive insights.  Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference.