Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR is a psychotherapy approach used to quickly and efficiently heal emotional wounds, blocks and limitations. Sometimes incorrectly called Rapid Eye Therapy, it has been used successfully with Post Traumatic Stress, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and more.
           While EMDR uses eye movements, pulses, or tones, it is not a simple technique; it integrates elements from many mind/body theories and psychotherapies into a standardized set of procedures and protocols. It was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, on the premise that each person has both an innate tendency to move toward health and wholeness, and the inner capacity to achieve it.
           EMDR changes how the brain processes information. The idea is that emotional conflicts arise because the individual never got to process the emotions, thoughts, and sensations related to the issue, and can heal themselves by reprocessing the information.. In the attached brain scan, a female patient, who suffered from Post Traumatic Stress, before EMDR treatment exhibited highly charged activity throughout the brain, indicating anxiety, depression, and trauma. After four sessions, the scan showed activity only in the frontal lobe, demonstrating calm, normal function.
           During a session, the client brings to awareness their unpleasant images and beliefs about themselves related to the issue they are addressing. With these in mind, they are also directed to an outside stimulus, such as eye movements, tones, or tapping. The stimulus alternates rapidly, thereby activating both left and right brain simultaneously. The client simply thinks and feels the way they normally would, but in this state are able to quickly reprocess the issue and resolve it.
For example, I have often had clients, who have been affected by a trauma, such as a rape or car accident, who after only one or two sessions, have been permanently cleared of its effects. They usually report, “When I think about it, it’s like I’m watching a movie, or like it happened to someone else.”

EMDR is approved by the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, the Veteran’s Administration and man insurance companies.

Maribeth Theisen, LCSW, a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist with 30 years experience, has been certified in EMDR since 1991. Visit her website at www.MauiTransformations.com or call 269-2923.