Psychological Methods Used to Address Issues:
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing or EMDR, developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, is an intervention which can reduce or eliminate trauma in an individual. The working hypothesis is that disturbing information or trauma is stored in the nervous system. This information is stored in the same form in which it was first experienced. EMDR uses dual attention stimulation as a component along with images, beliefs emotions, physical responses, and increased awareness. It is tailored or customized to the need of each person. The emphasis is on self-healing by having the person access resources within themselves (safe places/nurturing memories and people) as preparation before confronting or facing the trauma within themselves. In facing the trauma the person simply observes their body and emotions as adaptive information processing takes place. Healing takes place when the individual is able to work through or process the negative physical and emotional reactions connected to the trauma. The person is healed when they can recall the traumatic event with no anxiety disturbance in their emotions or body.