EMDR, Hypnosis and Bioenergetics - Psychotherapy for LifeChange - Shawna V. Carboni

EMDR is an acronym for "Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing". Developed in the late 1980's by Francine Shapiro, PhD , EMDR is a psychotherapeutic approach based on an understanding of how life experiences are processed cognitively, emotionally and somatically.

Overall, EMDR's goals are to similar to those of any good psychotherapeutic approach: (a) to enhance emotional stability, (b) to access and develop inner resources and strengths, (c) to facilitate the resolution of troubling life experiences, and d) to promote well-being and healthy functioning. It is EMDR's way of accomplishing these tasks and goals -- by blending of cutting-edge information processing theory and applied kinesiology with elements from cognitive-behavioral therapy -- that is unique.


		"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance." -- Bruce Barton

From information processing theory, it's understood that sometimes the normal cognitive, emotional and somatic processing of life events is disrupted or incomplete. This occurs most often when there is a high level of stress, danger or trauma experienced.

If the normal processing of an event is disrupted or incomplete, what gets stored in memory -- and in different parts of the brain -- are jumbled components of that event that then link in confused and mis-matched ways with other memories and learnings -- tainting or distorting even new positive experiences. Overtime, symptoms appear that reflect the resulting emotional distress, cognitive distortions, etc. that often occur.

From applied kinesiology, it's understood that bilateral stimulation techniques can activate and engage both left and right hemispheres of the brain and their different ways and styles of processing and learning information. EMDR primarily uses a series of back-and-forth eye movements to accomplish this.

When these eye movements are combined with questions and elements from cognitive-behavioral therapy, healthy processing is resumed. EMDR asserts that emotional and mental well-being and functioning will be improved when (a) the past disturbing event is correctively processed; (b) the present-day "triggers" are de-sensitized; and (c) new positive associations are made.


		"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." -- Reinhold Niebuhr

With EMDR, disturbing memories are not erased; they remain part of one’s history and memory. The difference, however, is that they do not continue to produce the emotional distress and psychological symptoms they had before and are no longer con-fused or entangled with positive memories. The way is thus cleared for a restored (or new) positive sense of self and competency to emerge and be strengthened.

Although EMDR is best known for its resolution of post-traumatic stress disorders, it is now being used to treat anxiety, addiction and depression. Most recently, and in concert with positive psychology, it is being used to enhance peak performance, to boost self-confidence and manage stress.

For further information, visit the EMDR International Association and EMDR Humanitarian Programs.