What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. EMDR addresses the way trauma and stressors are held in the body and involves increasing somatic awareness and internal resources for emotional regulation. The underlying theory behind EMDR is that trauma can become "stuck" in the body, and the therapy aims to reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and allows them to be put in the past. Bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) is used during the treatment to mimic the natural processes that occur during REM sleep, which is believed to be involved in memory processing. Research suggests that EMDR can be highly effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions, often leading to faster relief compared to talk therapy.

How do I know if EMDR is right for me?