Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR in Brooklyn)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy in which patients can heal from distressing memories and disturbing life experiences in a short period of time. Mental and emotional wounds are similar to physical wounds, as you must remove any foreign objects in order to heal. Those who suffer from trauma must “remove” the pain that is hindering the healing process. EMDR helps patients to heal at a much faster rate than they usually would in individual therapy, which is why many people prefer it.

This form of therapy was first discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. While experiencing her own distressing memories when visiting a park, she began making eye movement while she was looking at the trees around her. She noticed she began to feel less distressed and emotional after making these eye movements. Later, she tested her theory on other people to see if they had a similar response to her, which they did. After adding some other components, EMDR was developed.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is based off of the belief that your brain wants and tries to heal itself, but it must be under the right conditions. If there are any wounds that serve as blockades, the brain has a very difficult time healing. With EMDR, patients learn methods to help allow their brain to heal naturally. In one study, patients with PTSD went through three 90-minute sessions of EMDR and experienced a 68% decrease in PTSD symptoms. This group had an 84% reduction in PTSD diagnoses as well. Their rate of healing was very rapid, showing just how effective EMDR is.

Patients with PTSD are not the only ones who can benefit from EMDR. While it was developed around patients who have experienced trauma, it is also beneficial for many other individuals. Patients with OCD, panic disorder, phobias, complicated grief, and many more can experience the positive effects of EMDR. Additionally, patients who are having difficulty managing high levels of stress can also benefit from EMDR sessions.

People who undergo EMDR treatment will go through different phases with their therapist. The therapist will first determine which distressing memory to target first, based on their conversations with their patient. Then, the therapist will teach their client different tools for stress reduction that can be used during and in between sessions. After this, the therapist will ask the patient to think about the disturbing memory while following the therapist’s finger with their eyes. It is believed this helps to remove the “foreign object” that is keeping the mental wound from healing.

The healing effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing are backed by evidence from many different studies. It can be very effective for people who can pinpoint the source of their emotional distress or trauma. Generally, individual counseling sessions can take anywhere from a few months to years for the meaning of a distressing event to be transformed. With EMDR, studies show it can take as little as three sessions.