I have been certified in EMDR since 1996. This treatment has the distinction of becoming the first evidence based trauma treatment approach. This means that it has been successfully replicated providing clients much more rapid healing of the same than ever before. It had been the primary staple of my practice for 20 years. As such it enabled me to become the primary referral source for the Long Island Rail Road along with TWA and American Airlines. As a result, I was intimately involved with the staff of TWA, spending a whole weekend at the hangar providing support and treatment when Flight 800 crashed in eastern Long Island. I was also the recipient of numerous referrals from American when Flight 587 crashed over Rockaway, Queens, in 2001. In fact, that year, I was a first responder September 11, when the World Trade Center tragedy occurred. I met with survivors who had been in the buildings the day after. Their personal stories were heart wrenching. In fact, so many people were impacted by that tragedy along with the following Anthrax scare, that I was seeing clients from 8 in the morning through 10 at night. I was also being called into corporations due to executives having concerns related to the mental well being of their staff.

To give you an idea of how quick acting EMDR is in terms of healing, it would take me an average of six sessions to resolve the trauma of those engineers referred to me by the Long Island Rail Road. They had accidentally killed people crossing the tracks. It truly was incredible.

In the late 1980s, a chance observation led to the discovery of a remarkable therapeutic approach called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Francine Shapiro, while taking a walk in the park, noticed that her distressing thoughts seemed to diminish as her eyes naturally moved back and forth. Intrigued by this phenomenon, she embarked on a journey of research and development, ultimately birthing EMDR.

EMDR found its roots in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that traumatic experiences can hinder the natural flow of information processing in the brain. Armed with this understanding, Dr. Shapiro devised a structured protocol consisting of eight phases, each serving a specific purpose on the path to healing.

The magic of EMDR lies in bilateral stimulation. Through eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones, clients engage in a rhythmic back-and-forth motion. This bilateral stimulation is believed to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories and promote adaptive resolution.

In the realm of mental health, EMDR has proven to be a potent ally in the face of various challenges. For those haunted by traumatic experiences and haunted by the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR provides a glimmer of hope. It aids in desensitizing distressing memories, reducing nightmares, and liberating individuals from the grip of debilitating flashbacks.

Anxiety disorders and phobias, too, tremble in the wake of EMDR. By reprocessing the underlying traumas fueling anxiety, EMDR opens the door to liberation. The weight of depressive symptoms and mood disorders also finds respite as EMDR shines a light on negative self-beliefs and restores emotional regulation. Unresolved grief, a heavy burden to bear, becomes lighter as EMDR gently guides individuals through the process of healing, helping them integrate their loss and find solace.

But EMDR’s impact doesn’t end there. In the realm of relationships, it confronts the ghosts of attachment trauma, providing an opportunity for transformation. By addressing past wounds, it empowers individuals to embrace healthier patterns and nourish their connections. As clients embark on this therapeutic journey, their self-esteem is bolstered, and their ability to cultivate fulfilling relationships grows.

Empirical evidence has validated EMDR’s efficacy, solidifying its place among evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness, even rivaling other established treatments. Neuroscientific theories shed light on the mechanisms underlying its power, with memory reconsolidation and dual attention playing key roles.

The heartwarming stories of those who have embarked on the EMDR journey are a testament to its transformative potential. From the depths of despair, individuals have emerged, their lives forever changed. The resolution of long-standing traumas, the lifting of burdensome emotions, and the rediscovery of inner strength are just a few of the gifts bestowed by EMDR.

Yet, as with any therapeutic approach, EMDR has faced skepticism and resistance. In its early days, doubt lingered within the mental health community. However, misconceptions have been challenged, and the evidence base continues to grow, paving the way for wider acceptance.

EMDR reminds us of the importance of proper training and competence. Ethical considerations and adherence to professional guidelines ensure that this powerful tool is wielded with care and expertise. As more professionals embrace EMDR, its potential to heal and transform lives expands. And so, the story of EMDR unfolds, a testament to the power of observation, research, and the indomitable human spirit. Guided by bilateral stimulation and a structured protocol, individuals embark on a journey of healing