What Is EMDR?

A research supported psychotherapy for trauma and anxiety
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a comprehensive method of psychotherapy. EMDR combines well-established therapeutic methods including imaginal exposure, mindfulness, cognitive and self-control techniques into a structured treatment plan developed to meet the specific needs of each person.

EMDR "reprocessing" combines dual attention to a traumatic memory with back and forth eye movements, alternating sound or vibrations. The unique combination of methods in EMDR appears to stimulate an intrinsic capacity of the human brain to resolve emotional disturbance and gain adaptive insights in a manner similar to what occurs spontaneously during dreaming (rapid eye movement) sleep.

Based on the available research a number of theorists believe that during EMDR "reprocessing" the dual attention to the traumatic memory and to alternating left-right sensory stimulation triggers an innate "investigatory response" in the brain that leads to adaptive neurophysiological changes.