Krystal Skaggs, MS, LPC

 A structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing has proven to be effective in treating trauma and PTSD.

 

Symptoms of trauma and PTSD are considered the result of past disturbing experiences that continue to cause distress because the memory was not adequately processed in the brain. Unprocessed memories contain the emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and physical sensations that occurred at the time of the event. When the memories are triggered the stored disturbing material in the brain is experienced, causing dysregulation.  These triggers can interfere with daily life but they don't have to.  

 

EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory and is intended to change the way that the memory is stored in the brain, reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms that can overwhelm and disrupt life.