Text Box: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy treatment developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. EMDR facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories to bring these to an adaptive resolution. When an upsetting or traumatic event happens to an individual, the processing of that event becomes interrupted. However, every detail of the event is registered in the brain. These details include images, smells, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. When the individual continues with his/her everyday life, he/she will often encounter benign internal and external stimuli that would trigger the memory of those details and the event. This could result in re-living the event, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, somatic problems, lack of concentration, heightened arousal, disruption in relations, and an overall disruption in functioning. Research has shown that the use of EMDR helps processing the traumatic event in its entirety. This processing will not erase the memory of the traumatic event but it will desensitize the triggers. Therefore, the individual will not experience the original trauma upon exposure to the internal and external stimuli. EMDR has been shown to be an effective treatment for: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Sexual/Physical/Emotional Abuse Stress Phobias Pain Disorders Panic Attacks Anxiety Complicated Grief Eating Disorders

 

Body, Mind, and Spirit Psychotherapy:

 A Synergistic Approach

Farinaz Amirsehi, LPC, NCC, RN

Licensed Professional Counselor