EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is a form of therapy used to help recover from stress, trauma, and other forms of emotional distress. Eye-movement Desensitization and Reprocessing has become a very popular form of psychotherapy that uses dual-attention stimulus to resolve emotional difficulties relating to memories that appear to be “stuck” in the mind and body.
However, it often does not involve eye-movement and the dual stimulation can involve sound and touch as well. While working with adults, but especially with children, EMDR can also involve puppets, stories, dance, art, and play. I find it especially helpful to combine EMDR with sandtray therapy, in order to promote progress without relying solely upon what can be expressed by words.
While traditionally EMDR works by reducing the intensity of the negative thoughts associated with a disturbing memory, research has now shown it can be effective with those who do not have this cognitive ability, or even clarity regarding the memories. Instead, it can be used to promote feelings of confidence and calmness, promote coping skills and enhance therapeutic strides and insights that occur naturally regardless of the initial approach or technique being utilized.