Trauma has been researched and studied excessively throughout the years. The research shows that trauma has significant impacts on the body as well as the brain. Traumatic memories are stored in our emotional brains. Our ability to reason and rationalize things is controlled by our frontal brain. Because of trauma, the different parts of our brain are not able to communicate effectively with one another, resulting in distressing memories, flashbacks, and other trauma symptoms. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence based psycho-therapy originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989A). This type of therapy works with eye movements, or other bilateral movements to help integrate the brain. When our brains are fully integrated, we are able to process our trauma and move towards healing. Over time, our distressing memories are no longer as distressing, and we can learn to manage the symptoms of trauma effectively.

EMDR is an evidence based intervention to treat trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, and more. While EMDR is a trauma based intervention, it is based on the idea that everyone has trauma, and this trauma is the root cause of many mental health related obstacles. By treating the root cause of the symptoms, people can find peace and healing. When treatment is focused in this way, we allow people to see their symptoms as normal responses to aversive life events rather than symptoms of something being "wrong". EMDR treats the whole individual. In this model, you or your child/adolescent will learn healthy coping and resourcing skills to manage trauma symptoms, and will work towards healing the trauma from the inside out. We can also provide support to parents to help you understand the impact of trauma, develop coping skills to manage their child's trauma symptoms, and be an on-going support for you and your family.

For more information about EMDR, please visit http://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/