Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) at Jackson Hole Mental Health can help you overcome traumatic experiences through the integration of a variety of different psychotherapy techniques.
The effectiveness of EMDR in treating trauma has been demonstrated in more than 20 randomized studies. It was first developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD. in the late 1980's. EMDR theorizes that when one is exposed to a traumatic event, the rush of stress hormones in the brain can interrupt his or her information processing and traumatic memories can get stuck. These unprocessed memories remain very raw and can cause the characteristic symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder or can cause anxiety symptoms of a lesser degree. The eight step protocol of EMDR involves bilateral stimulation (through eye movements, tapping, auditory tones, etc.) combined with recall of the trauma. This protocol is thought to help facilitate the processing of memories.
EMDR combines techniques from many other therapies, including cognitive behavioral, experiential and interpersonal therapies. It is an recommended treatment for PTSD by the following organizations: