EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapeutic treatment method developed for people who continue to experience the effects of distressing or traumatic events.

When an event is not properly processed, it can lead to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, startle responses, or ongoing tension. EMDR focuses on reducing the emotional intensity associated with such memories.

During the treatment, the distressing memory is recalled while the client is simultaneously exposed to external stimuli, such as eye movements or sounds. This process allows the memory to be reprocessed in a way that evokes less emotional discomfort.

EMDR was originally developed for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Today, it is also used for other complaints related to unprocessed experiences, such as anxiety, low mood, or feelings of guilt and shame.

The aim of EMDR is not to erase the memory, but to reduce its emotional impact so that it can be better integrated into the person’s life story.