EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was developed by Francine Shapiro over twenty-five years ago. I completed the two levels of training in EMDR in 1998 and 1999 and have used this form of therapy with some people in my practice ever since. EMDR is an approach that can be applied to many different presenting concerns. In my experience, it can be particularly helpful when working with trauma and PTSD, anxiety, worries, fears or phobias. At this point there is quite an extensive body of research regarding the effectiveness of EMDR.
In my practice I often encounter people who have good insight and awareness and who consequently have things sorted out well on an intellectual level. However, they still feel trapped by the emotions of a memory or situation. EMDR can be a helpful tool for some of these people to create shifts on the emotional level so that they begin to "feel" what they already "think". Other people I see report feeling controlled by racing thoughts, intrusive memories or avoidance of certain situations. For some of these people EMDR can help take the power out of negative, intrusive memories or situations and allow them to experience those memories or situation in a far more peaceful way.
For more information about EMDR, see the EMDR Institute website at www.emdr.com.