Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Home » Resources » Dictionary » Terms

Definition - What does Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing mean?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a non-traditional form of psychotherapy aimed at eliminating the psychological stress caused by traumatic events that occur in a person's life. It is based on the premise that a person's mind can be restored to good health after emotional trauma just as a person's body can be restored to good health after experiencing physical trauma.

SureHire explains Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a controversial method of treatment used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and eating disorders. It uses an 8 phase treatment protocol with each session being no longer than 1½ hours. The technique used by the therapist is a bi-lateral stimulus that by using hand movements in front of the patient's face. The patient follows the hand movements while they revisit the traumatic memory. The efficacy of the treatment claims to have been shown to be much faster than traditional methods. However its results are still hotly debated among health care professionals.

Subscribe to SureNews!

Get your Reasonable Suspicion Checklist! Join our community and get access to more resources like this! Emails are sent monthly, so no need to worry, we will not fill up your inbox.