EMDR is a psychotherapy approach developed by Francine Shapiro, primarily used to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences, PTSD, and other distressing life events. It involves recalling traumatic or triggering memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, often through side-to-side eye movements.
Key Points:
- Phases: Includes history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization (processing traumatic memories), and installation of positive beliefs.
- Bilateral Stimulation: Eye movements, taps, or auditory tones are used to help reprocess and integrate distressing memories.
- Efficacy: Endorsed by numerous health organizations (e.g., WHO) as an effective therapy for PTSD; also used for phobias, anxiety, and panic disorders.
- Mechanism (Hypothesized): Bilateral stimulation may help unlock the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional intensity.
