EMDR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eye Motion Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a technique that facilitates processing of traumatic memories. This processing is usually incomplete because parts of the brain are offline during traumatic experiences.  Using bilateral stimulation, or stimulation of the left and right sides of the brain alternately, the part of the brain that creates the sensation of reliving trauma is calmed so that the thinking brain can integrate the experience in a new and more complete way.  Bilateral stimulation is achieved by various methods, for example, by guiding one's eyes to the left and then to the right, or by holding vibrating objects in each hand that stimulate one hand, then the other.  Most people find that EMDR lessens the emotional charge of a memory, and makes it available for deeper processing through talk therapy.