Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to treat post traumatic stress disorder. After successful treatment with EMDR, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced. During EMDR the client talks about what is bothering them while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. The therapist may direct the client’s lateral eye movement, have them tap with their hand or finger, or it may be auditory. EMDR is more than just eye movement and has been particularly effective when helping people get in touch with and process traumatic memories.
