Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, referred to as EMDR, is a type of therapy that helps people who have been through disturbing life experiences to feel better. Research shows that with EMDR therapy, many people show greater improvement than with some other types of treatment. Using EMDR, mental health providers can help people activate their natural healing processes.
EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective form of trauma treatment by the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization, and the Department of Defense. EMDR is useful in treating experiences or memories that can result in low self-esteem, feelings of powerlessness, or other difficulties, which bring them to therapy.