Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Please scroll down for links and videos describing EMDR

EMDR is an innovative clinical therapy that helps individuals reprocess disturbing thoughts, memories, emotions, and behaviours. For many clients, EMDR provides more rapid relief from emotional distress than conventional psychotherapies. Originally, EMDR was developed by Psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 to treat victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since then, EMDR has evolved and is used to treat an endless variety of issues from Complex PTSD to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and confidence.
 
EMDR is a therapy based on the idea that negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are the results of unprocessed memories. EMDR aims to reduce subjective distress and strengthen adaptive beliefs to traumatic events. The treatment involves a standardized 8-Phase protocol with additional protocols and procedures for special situations. The procedures include focusing simultaneously (dual awareness) on:
  1. spontaneous associations of traumatic images, thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations from past events
  2. while also experiencing therapist guided bilateral stimulation in the form of eye movements, tapping and sounds
 
I was first introduced to EMDR therapy in 1998, during the first year of my MSW program at Wilfrid Laurier University. I completed Basic Training in 2001; EMDR Certification requirements in 2007; and am currently a Consultant in Training under the direction of Kathleen Martin LCSW. I am also the Windsor-Essex Regional Coordinator for EMDR Canada.

As a therapist trained in multiple modalities (page on curriculum vitae), and as a client that has obtained therapy from various experts, I have found EMDR therapy to produce the most comprehensive, profound, validating, self-esteem boosting, trauma resolving approaches for achieving overall mental health and wellness.  
 
In fact, if we compared EMDR to something like home repairs, EMDR is the Mike Holmes of Home repair. For instance, when Mike Holmes is called to fix a mold problem, he takes down every wall to locate the root issue. When he finds the problem, he fixes it completely. And before re-installing new drywall he may notice other related or unrelated issues like shoddy electrical or insufficient insulation and fixes those too. In EMDR therapy, the therapist and client are partners in this work.
 
EMDR 8-Phase Protocol:
Please note the first two phases are typical of most therapy approaches
Phase 3-8 are what distinguishes EMDR therapy from other modalities.  
 
  1. Client history: readiness, safety factors (level of rapport, emotional disturbance, stability, life supports, general physical health, shutdown strategies, calming strategies, timing, medication needs, dissociative disorders), treatment planning, history-taking transcript.
  2. Preparation: form a solid therapy/client bond, teach/enhance calming skills, help clients befriend their nervous system, learn the difference between shutdown and calm, learn and/or enhance new ways to create safety and security, create internal stability (“parts work”), describe the model, set expectations, address client fears and test preferred bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, sounds).
  3. Assessment: select the memory, identify the negative cognition, develop a positive cognition, identify the emotion, estimate the disturbance, identify body sensations.
  4. Desensitization/Removal of disturbance: during this phase it is necessary to process the dysfunctional stored memory that lives in various memory channels associated with the targeted event. Reprocessing memories/experiences in EMDR therapy has some very positive by-products including restructuring negative beliefs (I am unworthy of love…), naturally occurring insights (I am worthy of love just as I am) and a more adaptive understanding of the targeted event.
  5. Installation: Concentrates primarily on the full integration (body, mind, spirit) of newer positive beliefs specifically linked with the original target issue/event.
  6. Body Scan: targets any remaining disturbance that may be stored in the body
  7. Closure: use of visualization, calming skills cultivated in phase 2, safety assessment, and debriefing to ensure the client does not leave the session in a high level of disturbance.
  8. Re-evaluation and Use of the EMDR Three-Pronged Protocol Approach: assesses if the target has been completely resolved that any associated material that might have been activated is addressed, that all necessary targets have been reprocessed to allow the client to feel at peace with the past, empowered in the present and able to make more desirable choices for the future.
 
EMDR Information and Links
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)