Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a therapy that is used to deal with unpleasant and traumatic experiences. During treatment the client makes eye movements from left to right. Also, left-right sounds via headphones can be given and pulsators for tactile stimulation can be applied. How this “left-right-left” principle works is not yet known, but it has been proven to work time and time again. The method is perceived as relatively little emotionally stressful. Often times, it appears possible to have the symptoms disappear without using extensive conversations and in a relatively short period of time.
With EMDR it is not necessary to talk extensively about the past. Yet, by stimulating the information processing system, therapeutic goals are achieved in a relatively short period of time. The main strength of EMDR is that the memory of a traumatic image and the associated feeling loses the emotional charge rather quickly, therefore it is less painful to think back on the event. With EMDR it is also possible to strengthen positive feelings, such as self-confidence. EMDR is a relatively new therapy that was developed in 1989 by the American psychologist Shapiro.
For detailed information about EMDR, you can visit the website of the EMDR association NL: www.emdr.nl
You will find a section for clients with both written information and films.