EMDR was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, founder of The EMDR Institute™. She hypothesizes that:
“Memory is being stored in linked networks that are organized around the earliest related event and its associated affect. Trauma tends to burn memories…into one’s neuro-networks. Similarly, repeated smaller emotional wounding (often described as “small ‘t’ traumas,”) have a similar indelible effect on the memory networks. When the targeted memory is linked with other more adaptive information and learning takes place, the experience is stored with appropriate emotions able to guide the person in the future.”
- EMDR is a very useful tool for resolving painful memories caused by Trauma.
- It can help people make the missing connection between thoughts and feelings.
- It can assist people in accessing lost emotions and experiences.
- EMDR can help people gain a sense of control over pervasive emotions, thoughts and memories.
The name “Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing” is somewhat deceiving though, because EMDR is actually far more than just behavioral flooding or desensitization techniques. The treatment process draws from the best of many therapy modalities.
Creating a bridge between the thinking and the feeling parts of the brain helps in the process of letting go, and moving beyond the past.
Let go of painful memories.
Sometimes I will work with clients and their individual therapists collaboratively. More often, I’ll use EMDR as one of many treatment options to help my clients achieve the therapy goals they have for themselves.
We can’t change the reality of the painful events, but EMDR can help change the meaning that you have associated with yourself and those negative experiences.