EMDR

EMDR, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence based psychological technique developed by the late Dr Francine Shapiro (PhD) in the early 1990’s. The client in treatment is asked to remember distressing images. The therapist who requires to have studied psychology such as a clinical social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist and counsellors, directs the clients eyes from side to side with her fingers, or by clicking her fingers from left to right or by tapping the client’s side of the knees, also known as bilateral input. This treatment is evidence based through years of scientific studies.

The use of bilateral action, helps us achieve some level of left and right brain integration. When we are overwhelmed with emotions, the brain feels a sense of confusion, however, when we clear headed, our left and right brain interact effectively.

To stimulate the left and right brain for integration, the therapist who is qualified to use the EMDR technique moves his or her fingers back and forth across the client’s visual field at eye level, while the client follows the fingers. This technique appears to deepen the healing process when done in conjunction with a set of prescribed questions developed by Dr Shapiro.

The technique is not in any way a technique to hypnotise the client, nor does it interfere with one’s religious beliefs. It is a technique to guide the client to process internal experiences by observing past experiences, memories, emotions and sensations in the body to reduce the intensity of the client’s original disturbing memories and to discharge the trauma.

As the body and the brain are interconnected and inseparable, what is found in the brain will manifest as a dis-ease in the body and what is in the body, will manifest as a dis-ease in the brain.