Psychology of Wellness | Psychology Definitions | Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

Psychology Definitions: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is a nontraditional psychotherapy using a patient's rapid, rhythmic eye movements to soften the power of emotionally charged memories of traumatic events.

EMDR was initially developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after noticing that eye movements appeared to decrease the negative emotion associated with her own distressing memories. EMDR therapy is not universally accepted, varying research findings led to controversial opinions among health care professionals.

A typical EMDR session can last up to 90 minutes. Your therapist asks you to follow their fingers back and forth with your eyes. While your eyes are bouncing back and forth, the EMDR therapist will have you recall a disturbing event. Gradually, the therapist will guide your thoughts to more pleasant memories.

EMDR is sometimes used to treat many other psychological ailments. Such as: