So, what exactly is EMDR?

You may have heard of EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Therapy from somebody you know. It might sound complicated, strange, or even scary. Others have asked, "Is this hypnotism?" To which my answer is... no. It's this really cool and specialized form of therapy. It was first design by Francine Shapiro back in 1987 to help military veterans process the traumatic events they experienced on the battlefield. Shapiro noticed that when veterans were asked to recall a traumatic memory (or incident) while simultaneously looking from right to left (Bilateral Stimulation), veterans slowly reported a decrease in emotional intensity when recalling the same traumatic memory again! EMDR has evolved a lot since these humble beginnings. Through decades of research, it has expanded from exclusively treating veterans with PTSD, to a structured therapeutic approach helping individuals who have experienced or struggle with:

• Trauma

• Depression

• Anxieties and phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)

• Personality disorders

What to Expect During EMDR Sessions

EMDR therapy typically involves multiple sessions, as it's a gradual process. Like tending to a garden, with time and care, you may begin to experience and witness positive changes in your life. You'll collaborate with your therapist who will guide you through the process, sharing only what you're comfortable with. 

EMDR isn't a one-time fix; it takes time. But as you progress, you may feel lighter, more confident, and happier. Those once-overwhelming memories may begin to lose their power. Remember, you're the author of your story. EMDR is not hypnosis that can erase the past. It's a tool to help rewrite previous chapters and subsequently build inner resilience to see the future as a more hopeful, manageable, lucent path.