EMDR therapy
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the disturbing memory or belief while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements or taps), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the traumatic memories.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. 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 (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been shown to be superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007).
“It's not what happens to you but how your body and mind internalize what happens to you.” – Dr. Gabor Maté
Trauma
In order to understand EMDR Therapy, one should understand the significance of trauma. Traumatic events or situations can severely challenge or shatter one's understanding of their world or self. Such events can disrupt an individual's ability to function normally.
Trauma, as explained by Dr. Gabor Maté, can be understood as deeply distressing or disturbing experiences that have lasting effects on the mind and body. These experiences can interrupt one's ability to cope and can lead to various emotional, mental, and physical health issues.
In simple terms, trauma is like a wound in the mind that can also make the body hurt. Healing it requires understanding and addressing both our feelings and the way our body remembers the pain.
