EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a leading treatment for supporting clients in trauma therapy. It is a full therapeutic approach, meaning it involves several phases of therapy work: history gathering; preparation and resourcing before beginning trauma work; assessment and desensitization of trauma experience(s); integration of change experience(s) and new beliefs for self; and, closure and re-evaluation of initial hopes for this process.

A unique feature of EMDR is that it uses dual attention awareness (i.e. eye movements, bilateral sounds, bilateral touch) to support change. We use dual attention awareness because it has been found helpful in supporting a reduction in intense emotions, memories and cognitions that were associated with the trauma being worked on.

EMDR is also a nervous system informed approach. We encourage understanding a trauma from the perspective of our nervous system. This means we explore what it was it was like for our nervous system to respond to disruptive experience, noticing where there are persistent or recurring intense emotions, body activation/feedback, or limiting beliefs are continuing to affect us. When we explore trauma related to our attachment experiences, we are considering anything that is too much too soon, too much for too long, or too little for too long, especially when in the absence of an attuned relationship.

EMDR can be used to address:

• post traumatic stress disorder and other trauma experience

• panic attacks

• anxiety

• depression

• stress

• phobias

• disturbing memories

• addictions

• grief and complicated grief

• life transitions

• pain relief

• self esteem and performance anxiety