What exactly is this EMDR therapy I keep hearing about?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that aims to help people overcome the negative effects of traumatic experiences. During EMDR therapy, the therapist will guide the patient through a series of bilateral stimulus (for us it is sound since we are fully virtual) while the patient focuses on a specific memory related to their trauma. This allows the brain to re-process the memory and release associated negative emotions, making it easier for the patient to move on from their trauma. EMDR is generally much quicker than other more traditional forms of therapy.

 The exact mechanism by which EMDR works is not fully understood and there are several different theories. One theory is that the eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy activate the brain's information processing systems, which allows for the processing of traumatic memories and emotions to occur in a more adaptive way. This may help to reduce the intensity or negative associations of the traumatic memory, eventually leading to a reduction in symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Another theory is that EMDR helps to stimulate the amygdala, the part of the brain that is responsible for processing emotions, by alternating between focusing on the traumatic memory and the bilateral stimulation. This can help to "desensitize" the amygdala to the negative emotions associated with the traumatic memory, reducing the intensity of the emotions over time. It is this second theory that makes the most sense to me as a practitioner.

A number of randomized controlled trials and other research studies have found EMDR therapy to be as effective as other evidence-based treatments for PTSD, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy. EMDR has also been found to be effective for a range of other conditions, including anxiety, depression, and phobias.

EMDR is recognized as an evidence-based treatment by several organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is widely used by mental health professionals around the world and has helped many individuals overcome the negative effects of traumatic experiences. However, as with any treatment, EMDR may not work for everyone, and it is important to work with a qualified therapist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.