EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new type of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro.  The premise is that many mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) originate from disturbing memories of past traumatic or distressing experiences that overwhelmed normal coping mechanisms in the brain and therefore, unable to be adequately processed, remain stored in primitive memory networks.  Whether we are consciously aware of it or not, these stored memories can negatively influence many aspects of day-to-day life.

The goal of EMDR is to activate adaptive coping mechanisms in the brain so that these stored distressing memories can be processed and released.  EMDR uses an eight-phase approach that includes recollection of distressing images while receiving bilateral sensory input such as side to side eye movements.  Although originally developed to treat adults with PTSD, EMDR has been used successfully in treating phobias, depression, and anxiety in adults and children.

Eddie and Penny are both trained in EMDR therapy.