EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that was developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro. She began using the process on veterans who were suffering from post-traumatic stress and found that the treatment worked extremely well in relieving trauma.

To date, this remarkable therapy has relieved complex symptoms in more than one million sufferers worldwide.

People who are more likely to benefit from EDMR:

• Those who have experienced or witnessed a disaster (violence, fires, earthquakes, sexual assault, molestation)
• Accident victims
• Those who have experienced loss (through divorce, death, being fired etc)
• Police, fire fighters and military personnel who are bombarded by traumatic memories
• Phobia sufferers (fear of flying, fear of spiders etc)

With the therapist's help, the client revisits a traumatic moment or incident and the feelings and beliefs about the incident.

How EMDR works

The therapist moves his/her hand back and for the (like a windshield wiper) and has the client watch the therapist's finger (like watching ping pong) while recalling the event. Through the eye movements, the painful incident and feelings are replaced with calmness, feelings of peacefulness and empowerment.

It works quickly and may significantly lessen many symptoms including:

• Depression
• Fear, panic, or anxiety
• Recurring thoughts of sexual or physical abuse
• Chronic anger
• "Blocks" to achieving performance
• Self-esteem problems
• Test or performance anxiety
• Relationship problems

EMDR with Insight

Insight offers several Therapists in our Edmonton and Calgary locations who are trained to assist clients with this form of treatment.

Insight's Counsellors that can help: