What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization reprocessing.

Is this the same as hypnosis or EFT?

No, unlike hypnosis, you are fully alert, aware and awake through the entire process. EFT is a different technique. It also uses tapping but is different.

Why do you use tapping in EMDR?

The tapping, or eye movements are bi-lateral stimulation. This bi-lateral movement refers to the different parts of the brain that become stimulated while processing a traumatic event. The event is held in the amygdala to protect you, so the event does not happen ever again. Sometimes this overestimates and then our brain thinks it is still protecting us or still needs to hold onto a memory or feeling. But it is not necessary. We can then use the bi-lateral stimulation to be able to move it to the prefrontal cortex. This is called ‘reprocessing’ the memory.

Who can EMDR be helpful to?

EMDR has been helpful with anyone who has had a traumatic event, including: sexual assault, car accidents, domestic violence, school violence, separation and divorce, grief, and more. It is any incident that has left you feeling like you are stuck and cannot get out of a loop. Or cannot allow the emotions to process. Feelings that you are holding on to but that you know no longer serve you.

Do you have to be certified to do EMDR?

YES! Some people do a workshop and then state that they are certified. Be sure that whoever you go to is actually certified. Tina was trained in 2005 for Part 1 and did Part 2 two years later. She also had to complete extensive training after part 2 as they had added some things to the EMDR process over the yeas.

Is EMDR evidence based?

YES! At first it was thought of as a non scientific approach. As they began to research this process and do brain scans before and after EMDR they studies showed that the memory and brain activity actually moved! That this is actually processing it physically. This is similar to something that we all do naturally in REM sleep. We naturally use bi-lateral movement to process. However, when there is a traumatic event our brain is left unable to process it on its own. This is where a trained therapist can help you to process..