What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a type of therapy that helps people heal from emotional pain and symptoms caused by difficult or traumatic life experiences.
Many people assume that deep emotional wounds take years to heal, but research has shown that EMDR therapy can help people feel better much faster.
Think of it like this: when you get a cut, your body naturally works to heal it. But if something keeps irritating the wound, it can get worse and cause more pain. Once that irritation is removed, your body can continue the healing process.
The mind works in a similar way. After a disturbing or traumatic event, your brain’s natural healing process can get blocked. When that block is cleared with the help of EMDR therapy, emotional healing can begin again.
EMDR therapists use specific techniques and protocols to guide your brain back into its natural healing state.
How Effective is EMDR?
Over 30 research studies have shown that EMDR is highly effective. For example:
In some studies, 84 to 90 percent of people who experienced a single traumatic event no longer had PTSD symptoms after just three sessions.
In another study funded by Kaiser Permanente, 100 percent of single-trauma clients and 77 percent of those with multiple traumas no longer had PTSD after six sessions.
One study found that 77 percent of combat veterans were free of PTSD after 12 sessions.
Because of results like these, organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Defense recognize EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma.
Not Just for Big Traumas
While EMDR is well known for treating major traumatic events, it can also be very helpful for everyday emotional struggles. Many people carry memories that affect their self-esteem, confidence, or sense of safety. EMDR can help clear those emotional blocks too.
Today, more than 100,000 trained clinicians use EMDR around the world. Over the past 25 years, millions of people have experienced healing and lasting change through this therapy.
I offer private EMDR therapy for adults across Florida via a secure telehealth platform.
EMDR therapy is especially effective for CPTSD, helping you safely process and release trauma.
All EMDR sessions are available online for your comfort and privacy.
