Research shows that EMDR is one of the most effective treatments for trauma. EMDR processes traumatic events, trauma symptoms (e.g. feeling overwhelmed, anxious, panic attacks, flashbacks, and disconnection/dissociation), negative ideas about the self (e.g. not feeling good enough), and dysfunctional attachment patterns from the past.
EMDR involves bilateral stimulation (eye movements or sensory taps) to stimulate frozen memories so they are processed. The effect for clients is that distress reduces and, rather than reliving trauma, these memories feel more “ordinary” and manageable. Past events are remembered as “bad” but no longer feel “bad”.
Issues EMDR can support with:
- Experiences of childhood abuse and difficult attachment relationships (e.g. physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, neglect)
- Experiences of abuse in adulthood (e.g. physical, emotional, psychological, sexual)
- Assault
- Accidents (e.g. road traffic, work, personal)
- Bereavement
- War
- Natural disaster
- Phobias
- Anxiety
- Depression
