EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is the psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It is one of the most widely investigated treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder and the treatment of other disturbing experiences that underlie many pathologies. It incorporates aspects of psychodynamic, experiential, behavioural, cognitive, body-based, and systems therapies. It comprises an eight-phase treatment that includes the use of eye movements or other left-right bilateral stimulation. It helps to reprocess disturbing thoughts and memories, providing profound and stable treatment effects in a short period of time. Studies link the effects of EMDR to REM sleep, dual attention, and/or bihemispheric involvement.