Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is one of the most well researched techniques in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and complex trauma.  It is considered to be one of the most highly effective treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and trauma.  Several studies have shown that positive treatment outcomes are significant, and those gains are still evident in post treatment studies.

Originally developed by Francine Shapiro in the USA, it is based on the premise that traumatic memories are encoded differently in our brains than other memories, and get 'stuck', causing a traumatized person to feel as though the event is still happening in the present day.  EMDR stimulates both the right and left brain hemispheres while allowing the client to be anchored in the present, in order to process the traumatic events, and neutralize the impact of those memories on their day to day functioning.  It should be noted that EMDR is not effective for everyone, although many clients report significant improvements in their general functioning at three month follow ups.  An assessment and history taking are required before we begin EMDR sessions.

I completed my EMDR training and certification in 2010, and have been using the techniques successfully since that time.