Print PDF

What is EMDR?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed to help reduce the development of trauma-related disorders caused by exposure to distressing events or trauma. When traumatic events or experiences occur, usual cognitive and neurological coping mechanisms may be interfered with or interrupted. The memory and associated stimuli of the event are not processed properly and are stored in an isolated memory network. The goal of EMDR therapy is to gently and effectively reprocess these distressing memories, reduce their impact and allow sufferers to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.

            Definition from the EMDR International Association www.emdria.org.