EMDR has been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies as an effective short-term therapy that helps patients deal with traumatic experiences and challenging life events (such as job interviews, expecting a newborn, and many more).

u201cThe goal of EMDR treatment is to rapidly metabolize the dysfunctional residue from the past and transform it into something useful. Essentially, with EMDR therapy, the dysfunctional information undergoes a spontaneous change, in form and meaning – incorporating insights and affect that are enhancing rather than self-denigratingu201d (EMDR, Francine Shapiro).

EMDR is a structured modality of psychotherapy that involves bilateral stimulation of the brain (not to worry, this might sound painful but it is absolutely not ud83dude42) to help people process better their upsetting memories, thoughts and feelings related to trauma. Research shows the effectiveness of the modality in reducing the vividness and the overwhelming emotions associated with traumatic memories.

EMDR can help people who experience a variety of difficulties. These include, but are not limited, to:

• Miscarriage/pregnancy loss
• Job interviews
• Test anxiety
• Medical traumas
• Sexual harassment/assault
• Robbery/other crime
• Car and other accidents
• Natural disasters
• Combat trauma
• Panic attacks
• Unresolved grief
• Performance enhancement (in business, performing art, school, academia)