"The first doctor is
the patient himself"
~Ancient Chinese medicine
...continued from "What's Wrong" page.
In 1987, psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. Dr. Shapiro studied this effect scientifically and, in 1989, she reported, in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, success though using EMDR to treat victims of trauma. Since then, EMDR has developed and evolved through the contributions of therapists and researchers all over the world. (Source: www.emdria.org ©2005)
While EMDR has been proven to be a highly effective treatment modality it is unclear as to how it works exactly. It is clear, however, that when a person is extremely upset the brain cannot process information properly. In the case of trauma, an event essentially becomes “frozen in time” making the remembrance of the event, through images, sounds and feelings, feel as if it is still happening as it did the first time.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the brain allowing it to reprocess the information of the trauma.
During treatment the client brings to mind the upsetting event while the therapist facilitates eye movement or other dual stimulation to the brain such as hand taps. After a successful EMDR
session (s) normal processing is resumed, allowing the individual to no longer relive the same images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You will still remember what happened, but the memory is less upsetting.
EMDR is now recognized by the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the International Society for Trauma Stress Studies, the Department of Vetran's Affairs as well as numerous insurance companies as an effective treatment in post traumatic stress.
In addition to the scientific research establishing EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress, clinicians from around the world have also reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions:
panic attacks
complicated grief
disturbing memories
phobias
pain disorders
eating disorders
performance anxiety
stress reduction
addictions
sexual and/or physical abuse
(source: EMDRIA 2005)
Martina is an EMDR Level II clinical practitioner utilizing this form of trauma recovery treatment since 2002. She is continually amazed and appreciative of the successful results obtained through this modality. She has helped others recover from severely traumatic events ranging from witnessing suicide, family members who have had a loved one murdered, to victims of auto accidents and physical and sexual assault.
She has also found EMDR strongly helpful in treating such issues as panic attacks, phobias, addictions, chronic pain, complicated grief, disturbing memories, eating disorders, long term exposure to childhood trauma and overcoming core negative beliefs.
For further reference and a biography of research visit EMDR International Association’s web site at www.emdria.org
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