EMDR
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based therapy for people who continue to suffer the effects of a shock, such as accident, sexual violence or violent incident.
The first version of EMDR was described in 1989 by the American psychologist Francine Shapiro. In subsequent years, this procedure was further elaborated and developed into a full-fledged and effective therapeutic method.
There is much scientific research on the efficacy of EMDR. The results show that treated people respond well to EMDR. At the beginning of the EMDR therapy extensive attention will be given to the causes and the history of the complaints. Then follows an assessment consisting of a number of individual characteristics, including the person's strengths as well as the level of distress caused by the symptoms. This will show whether a targeted treatment is needed at that moment, and whether EMDR can be used.
EMDR therapy can work faster than other methods, but it depends on the development and duration of symptoms. It can also have the form of intensive therapy. Therefore, I will not only tell you what we're doing and why, but also extensively explain how you can control your emotions most effectively. There is increasing evidence that emotionally charged memories and images play an important role in other symptoms such as chronic pain, depression, eating disorders and addictions. Trauma can also be treated with specially developed EMDR protocols like the protocol for early childhood (preverbal period) and the protocol for headaches.
(Extracts from the EMDR folder Information for Clients, EMDR Association Netherlands)
