Eye Movement Desensitization and
Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally
designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories
(Shapiro, 1989a, 1989b). Since its inception, EMDR has been expanded
to treat a wide variety of psychological conditions and issues including
(but not limited to) phobias, nightmares, pain, anxiety, and panic.
EMDR can also be used for stress reduction, relaxation training,
and performance enhancement.
EMDR is founded on the premise that each person has both an innate
tendency to move toward health and wholeness, and the inner capacity
to achieve it. EMDR is grounded in psychological science and is
informed by both psychological theory and research on the brain.
EMDR is used within an 8-phase approach to treatment in order to
insure sufficient client stabilization and reevaluation before,
during, and after processing of distressing material.
EMDR is a process rather than a standalone technique. EMDR occurs
within the ongoing therapeutic relationship and unfolds according
to the needs and resources of the client.
EMDR employs alternating left-right, bilateral eye movements, tones,
or kinesthetic stimuli combined with other specific steps in a defined
therapeutic protocol. The bilateral sensory stimuli promote adaptive
information processing - a state of balanced or dual attention between
internally accessed information and external sensations. In this
state the recipient (therapy client) is able to access new information
and associations which eventually leads to resolution of distress,
increased insight, and enhanced subjective well-being.
Dr. Gamble has been using EMDR since taking the training in 2001.
She became EMDRIA certified in 2003.
