EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment modality. At Symmetry, our clinicians offer this integrative psychotherapy approach to treat anxiety, trauma, PTSD, panic, and more. EMDR has been a widely accepted trauma treatment since the late 1980s. It was first developed by the American psychologist Francine Shapiro, who noticed her eye movements strongly correlated to her emotional state. Shapiro used EMDR on herself to decrease the negative feelings associated with past memories, quickly realizing that rapid eye movement therapy could be greatly beneficial to clients who were struggling in traditional counseling.

As a gentle, body-based method, EMDR does not require much verbal processing and is appropriate for all age levels. Instead, it uses target images and foundational self-beliefs to neutralize painful or distressing memories. Effectively “reprogramming” the brain, clients in EMDR therapy don’t erase their memories but rather clear away the trauma associated with them, promoting more peace, calm, and positive self-regard.