EMDR

EMDR is a complex approach to psychotherapy which combines elements of counseling skills with bilateral movement, sound back and forth in each ear, or a touch intermittently to either side of the body.  The acronym, EMDR, is for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.  This technology has successfully helped many people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma of any type, including; sexual abuse, domestic violence, combat, crime, as well as complaints of addictions, physical pain, phobias and a variety of self-esteem issues.  EMDR allows the brain to heal its psychological problems at the same rate as the rest of the body is healing its physical ailments. 

The theory that is supported by most psychotherapists, quite possibly during our early childhoods, is that we begin to create negative belief systems about ourself, and that our young minds believed it to be true. For an example, the therapist identifies the specific events which taught the client such negative self-assessments as: "I am not good enough"; I am not loveable; I cannot succeed; I am worthless; I cannot trust", etc.  These assumptions are stored in an area of the brain called the amygdala and contribute to the client's behavior and actions in their present life.  In a therapeutic, safe environment, the client re-experiences the earlier situations or the old thought that creates the present disturbance by manifesting the emotions and the physical sensations using the EMDR technology.  Reprocessing those experiences with EMDR allows the client to gain insight, shift cognitive assessment, which supports a new way of feeling and new positive body reactions, as well as adopting more functioning behaviors.