Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique and evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective treatment by organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization.

At the core of EMDR therapy is the belief that psychological distress is often due to unprocessed memories. The therapy’s goal is to help the client process these memories, reduce their lingering effects, and enable individuals to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.

Clients often experience the emergence of insight and changes in memories or thoughts associated with the traumatic event. Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR does not rely heavily on discussing the traumatic event. Instead, it allows the brain to naturally move toward adaptive resolution, fostering emotional healing.