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Yes, EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization) is the most researched treatment for PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). Significant decreases in many symptoms of PTSD have been found in as few as 3-4 sessions. Some of the symptoms of PTSD that people might experience after a trauma might be as follows: Emotional numbing Unwanted thoughts or images about a distressing event Exaggerated startle response Recurrent nightmares Loss of interest or participation in pleasurable activities Stress related to cues or triggers of the distressing event Flashbacks of the distressing event Hypervigilence or scanning of the environment Inability to recall parts of the distressing event Avoiding places, people, or activities related to the trauma Avoiding thoughts, feelings, and conversations about the trauma Sensing a foreshortened future Insomnia-hard to fall or stay asleep Feeling estranged from others Difficulty concentrating Restricted range of emotions Decreased pleasure Distancing from others Irritability or anger Dissociation Since there is no homework with EMDR, the overall time is much shorter with this therapy. Research indicates that the benefit of this treatment continues over time and the issues that caused the initial trauma are neutralized and do not continue to cause problems once it is cleared through EMDR. The effects of EMDR have been found to be superior to many other types of therapy for PTSD such as relaxation training, biofeedback, active listening, and 1:1 individual therapy. EMDR can be helpful even if the client does not wish to share the details of the trauma with the therapist. This has been especially helpful in working with the veterans. EMDR can soften the pain of past experiences and improve feelings of calmness and happiness.

Although I’m trained in a variety of therapy techniques, one type of therapy that I find particularly beneficial for many of my clients is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR originated as a technique in the 1950s, and I became familiar with it while completing my training in this therapeutic method in the military base in CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick. I was involved with opening the Veterans Affairs Canada office in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and assisted many veterans with recovering from trauma experienced in war using EMDR. Although this method was originally intended as a technique for reprocessing war trauma, it is actually ideal for almost anyone who has experienced trauma.

Are you reaching your full potential or is something holding you back? Certain limiting situations seem to play out. What’s holding you back is a negative belief you have about yourself. Fortunately, there’s a therapy that assists in uncovering those negative beliefs and helps you move forward.