Desiree MurrayLCSW, CAC III

What is EMDR?

In April of 1995, I was first introduced to the concept of EMDR as a crisis responder to the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, uncertain of this modality of treatment I opted to not pursue training in EMDR at that time. Over the years, I watched more research become available validating the effectiveness of EMDR. Convinced of it’s therapeutic benefits I pursued EMDR training in 2006 and have been witness to the power of healing it has brought to so many clients.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced-based psychotherapy which effectively treats PTSD, psychiatric disorders, mental health problems and somatic symptoms. Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1990, EMDR has been extensively researched and empirically validated as an effective treatment for trauma. EMDR is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization, Israeli National Council for Mental Health, National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Departments of Defense and the Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment.

EMDR is an eight-phase three-pronged approach to helping clients process traumatic memories and/or negative life experiences that have been maladaptively stored in the brain. Through bi-lateral stimulation the therapist assists the client in processing the event, memory or belief of self in a more adaptive and meaningful way that alleviates triggering behaviors/thoughts that impede on the individual's life. The three-pronged approach targets past experiences, current triggers that get in the way of the clients ability to move through life without intrusive thoughts, feelings or bodily sensations and potential future challenges. For more information about EMDR please click on the provided link www.emdria.org or feel free to contact me directly.

According to the EMDR Institute and EMDR International Association, EMDR has been proven to treat the following: