Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy that was developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional distress. EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories are stored differently in the brain than non-traumatic memories, and that these traumatic memories can cause ongoing emotional distress.
EMDR therapy aims to help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories so that they no longer cause distress. The therapy typically consists of 8-12 sessions, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.
During an EMDR session, the therapist will guide the patient through a series of eye movements, sounds, or taps while they focus on a traumatic memory. The therapist will also ask the patient to focus on the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations that they experience while recalling the traumatic event.
The therapist's goal is to help the patient process the traumatic memory and integrate it into their overall life story in a way that reduces distress. The patient will also be taught coping strategies to manage the emotions that can surface during the treatment.
EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in treating PTSD and other emotional distress caused by traumatic events. It is considered a second-line treatment for PTSD by many mental health organizations and it is supported by numerous scientific studies. However, it's important to note that EMDR is a complex therapy and it should only be conducted by trained and licensed therapists