EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy began as an accidental discovery in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro of the possible effectiveness of rapid eye movements in desensitizing bad feelings. As she researched, theorized about, and further developed the therapy, it became evident that more than that was happening – those memories were being adaptively reprocessed, bringing enduring relief for people who sometimes had been suffering sometimes for decades. It is now among the most researched therapies of any kind and particularly regarded as one of the most effective evidence-based therapies available for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder according to the World Health Organization and countless other clinical bodies. This includes being one of only three therapies recommended by all branches of the military and the VA for the treatment of PTSD in Veterans.

Over the last 25 years, many clinicians and researchers have joined Dr. Shapiro in exploring how this therapy can help clients not only with PTSD but also with addiction, depression, and other dilemmas, as well as in dealing with any ill effects of adverse life events, even those that are not inherently traumatic. Until recently, these conditions were difficult and time-consuming to treat. EMDR is considered a breakthrough therapy because of it effectively treats trauma as well as less deleterious adverse life events, all of which are known to contribute to the problem of addiction.

What Problems are Helped by EMDR?

The studies to date show a high degree of effectiveness with the following conditions:

EMDR therapy is most effective in an addiction treatment setting when used in conjunction with other methods of therapy in treating these and many other emotional disorders, especially mindfulness-based approaches.

EMDR therapy can help clients replace their anxiety and fear with positive images, emotions, and thoughts.

For more information and detailed information about our program, contact us at 877-302-4333 and check out our website at www. sunriserehabandrecovery.com.