Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

EMDR is a form of psychological therapy used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In EMDR, patients recall traumatic memories whilst simultaneously focusing on external sensory stimuli, most commonly therapist-led eye movements. EMDR is based on the premise that an overwhelmingly traumatic event can block our natural and adaptive ways of processing information and in turn prevent us moving on. EMDR is thought of as a way to remove the ‘block’ and in turn re-activate the brain’s natural healing process.