Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a type of therapy that uses a variety of techniques to help people overcome past traumas or difficult experiences. EMDR therapy is typically carried out by EMDR therapists, who use a range of appro aches to guide their clients through the process. This can include various forms of eye movement, such as tracking the therapist's fingers back and forth with one's eyes, in order to help desensitize negative emotions. EMDR counseling can also involve copi ng strategies for dealing with negative thoughts and feelings that may arise during this process. Although EMDR is still considered an alternative treatment for therapy for many people, it is evidence based and has been shown to be effective at helping ind ividuals get past traumatic events and move on with their lives. If you are struggling with past trauma and are looking for a reprieve from your symptoms, EMDR may be the right choice for you.
EMDR can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues, s uch as PTSD, addiction, and phobias. EMDR works by helping patients process difficult emotions and experiences in a safe and controlled environment. During EMDR therapy sessions, the patient typically focuses on the troubling event or memory while followin g the motions of their EMDR therapist's fingers or light bar. The movement helps to redirect attention away from negative emotions, allowing patients to more effectively cope with their stressors.
EMDR can also be used for positive processing. It has been shown to be effective for positive improvements like enhancing sports performance. EMDR works by stimulating both sides of the brain at the same time through different types of eye movement, which helps patients to reframe negative events in a more positi ve light. In this way, this treatment may be particularly beneficial for athletes who wish to enhance their performance or improve their mindset for competitions. By processing negative thoughts, and enhancing positive connections, EMDR can support you in making progress towards your goals.
A skilled EMDR therapist is essential for successfully implementing EMDR therapy. This therapist should have specialized training and experience working with EMDR techniques, as well as an understanding of the underlyin g mechanisms behind this type of treatment. Through a range of tailored interventions, the RAFT Counseling Team can support you in living intentionally.
Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., discovered a connection between people's eye movements and persistent impactful memories in the late 1980s. Driven by her personal insight, Dr. Shapiro began an extensive study of EMDR therapy, a unique form of eye movement therapy that had the potential to help people overcome various trauma - related disorders.
Throughout t he course of her work, Dr. Shapiro encountered much skepticism from those around her. However, her dedication and passion for EMDR counseling allowed her to continue developing this treatment method into a formal therapeutic process grounded in years of ri gorous research and clinical trials.
Today, EMDR therapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for trauma by major organizations. Millions of individuals from all across the globe have benefited from EMDR counseling under Dr. Shapiro's guidan ce and expertise, further cementing her status as a pioneer in eye movement therapy techniques.
When psychologist Francine Shapiro first began to uncover the healing potential of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, she could never have anticipated the incredible impact that her discovery would have on the field of mental health. Dr. Shapiro's groundbreaking research paved the way for EMDR therapy to become a pillar of trauma - informed mental health care, helping countless indiv iduals to overcome their psychological wounds and move forward in their lives with newfound strength and resilience.
Today, as more and more people turn to EMDR therapy for help with everything from PTSD to anxiety disorders, we are grateful for Dr. Shapi ro's tireless efforts that truly make it possible for so many people to wake up each day with hope in their hearts and confidence in their abilities. While Dr. Shapiro may no longer be with us in this world, her vision lives on through all those who have b een touched by her work and devotion to improving our collective mental health.