Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR is a type of therapy developed specifically to help clients move through experiences that have been traumatic and produced a lasting emotional and/or physiological response. When I initially attended training for EMDR, I was skeptical about the claims made about it. It seemed way too simple, and I sat there during the initial training wondering if I had wasted the money I paid to get the training. Many of the therapists I worked with at the time sang its praises. When we moved into the phase of training where we got to practice EMDR on fellow clinicians, I got nervous. The experience was either going to be disappointing and not applicable to my work, or potentially career-shifting. I was also dealing with a nagging question: if EMDR worked like the trainers said it would, what would come up?
It seems silly, a therapist concerned about having therapy done on them. It would be similar to a dentist worrying about another dentist working on their teeth. If the work is necessary for healing, why would we care? Fortunately, I found out then that EMDR does work and it's nothing to be reluctant about. That experience changed my approach to trauma and my life in positive ways. I became a believer in this treatment modality. I love using EMDR with clients and being able to see real, positive changes in their lives over time, oftentimes much faster than I ever saw with talk therapy. I believe in it so much that I became certified in it, and plan to continue learning all that I can about EMDR. If you'd like an introduction into what it is and what it can be used for, please watch the video below.
A recent video released by EMDRIA regarding EMDR Therapy:
For more information, go to https://www.emdria.org.