What Is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

EMDR is a powerful psychological therapy that was developed by Francine Shapiro, an American Clinical Psychologist, in the 1980s. As a senior research fellow at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, USA, she published the first research data confirming the efficacy of EMDR in 1989.

Since then a wealth of research has been conducted demonstrating its benefits in treating psychological trauma arising from experiences as diverse as physical, emotional and sexual assault, abuse and neglect, road traffic and workplace accidents and violent conflict and natural disaster. EMDR is increasingly proving itself across the breadth of psychological disorder and has been found to be of benefit to both children and adult.

EMDR is a powerful therapy and training in it is reserved to mental health professionals. You are strongly recommended to consult only legitimate clinicians who have undertaken and accredited recognised by the EMDR Europe and EMDR UK & Ireland associations. Your therapist should be happy to show you their certificate of training so you can check their provider.

Adapted from EMDR Association website 2013

 

Click HERE to visit the EMDR UK & Ireland Website