Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed to resolve symptoms
resulting from disturbing and unresolved life experiences. It uses a structured approach to address past, present, and future
aspects of disturbing memories.
Patients who have suffered for years from anxiety or distressing memories, nightmares, insomnia, abuse or other
traumatic events can now gain relief from EMDR.
Research shows that EMDR is rapid, safe and effective. EMDR does not involve the use of drugs or hypnosis. It
is a simple, non-invasive patient-therapist collaboration in which healing can happen effectively.
Clinical trials have demonstrated EMDR's efficacy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In
some studies it has been shown to be equivalent to cognitive behavioral and exposure therapies. Although some
clinicians may use EMDR for other psychiatric problems, its research support is primarily for disorders stemming
from distressing life experiences.
The theoretical model underlying EMDR treatment hypothesizes that EMDR works by processing distressing memories.
EMDR is based on an information processing model which posits that symptoms arise when events are inadequately
processed, and can be eradicated when the memory is fully processed. EMDR is an integrative therapy because it
synthesizes elements of many traditional psychological orientations, such as psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral,
experiential, physiological, and interpersonal therapies.
Evidence indicates that electrical activity in the right and left hemispheres of the brain becomes more synchronous
following successful EMDR. Improved communication between brain hemispheres, sparked by their alternating activation
in EMDR, may break through conditioned fear responses to the original trauma.
This powerful short-term therapy is highly effective for a wide range of disorders including chronic pain,
phobias, depression, panic attacks, eating disorders and poor self-image, stress, worry, stage fright,
performance anxiety, recovery from sexual abuse and traumatic incidents.
Many patients who have made slow progress in the past, or who have not benefited from more traditional
therapies say that with EMDR they have finally found something that works for them.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
Fredricks, R. (2008). Healing & wholeness: Complementary and alternative therapies for mental health. Bloomington, IN: Authorhouse.
Letizia, B., Andrea, F., & Paolo, C. (2007). Neuroanatomical changes after eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in posttraumatic
stress disorder. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci, 19(4), 475-456.
Maxfield, L. (2003). Clinical implications and recommendations arising from EMDR research findings. Journal of Trauma Practice, 2, 61-81.
Maxfield, L., Shapiro, F., & Kaslow, F. W.. (2007). Handbook of EMDR and family therapy processes. New York: Wiley.
Shapiro, F. (1995). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: basic principles, protocols, and procedures. New York: Guilford Press.
Shapiro F, & Maxfield L. (2002). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Information processing in the treatment of trauma. J Clin Psychol, 58, 933-948.
The recommendations on this website do not constitute professional advice, substitute for professional treatment, or establish a therapeutic
relationship. Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. of San Jose Counseling and San Jose Psychotherapy is a counselor and psychotherapist in San Jose, California
providing counseling, psychotherapy, and therapy for individuals and couples with relationship issues, anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress
disorder, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, addiction, co-dependency, trauma, abuse, eating disorders, and managing grief and loss.
If you search for counseling San Jose, psychotherapy San Jose, psychotherapist San Jose, therapist San Jose, counselor San Jose, couples therapist
San Jose, couples counselor San Jose, marriage therapy San Jose, life coach San Jose, career coach San Jose, executive coach San Jose, you can find
San Jose Counseling and San Jose Psychotherapy and Dr. Fredricks in San Jose and the Silicon Valley as the leading provider of such services.
In addition to serving San Jose, Dr. Fredricks serves Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Milpitas, Mountain View, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Scotts Valley,
Santa Cruz, Felton, Sunnyvale, Morgan Hill, Fremont, Los Altos, and Gilroy, California.
Author of Healing & Wholeness: Complementary
and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health
