What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a distinct therapuetic approach which uses bilateral stimulation (of which eye movements can be an example) to aid the integration (processing) of distressing information.  Used to treat PTSD, and trauma. (credit)

What Can You Expect From EMDR?

An EMDR treatment session can last up to 90 minutes. Your therapist will move his or her fingers back and forth in front of your face and ask you to follow these hand motions with your eyes. At the same time, the EMDR therapist will have you recall a disturbing event. This will include the emotions and body sensations that go along with it.

Gradually, the therapist will guide you to shift your thoughts to more pleasant ones. Some therapists use alternatives to finger movements, such as hand or toe tapping or musical tones.

People who use the technique argue that EMDR can weaken the effect of negative emotions. Before and after each EMDR treatment, your therapist will ask you to rate your level of distress. The hope is that your disturbing memories will become less disabling. (credit)

Steps in EMDR treatment 

Video on EMDR