What is EMDR?

Negative cognitions are deeply ingrained and distressing thought patterns that can have a significant impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. These cognitions often arise from past traumatic experiences or adverse life events, leading to feelings of self-doubt, helplessness, and inadequacy. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in addressing negative cognitions associated with trauma. EMDR involves a structured eight-phase process where individuals focus on distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of side-to-side eye movements. This bilateral stimulation appears to facilitate the brain's natural healing mechanisms, allowing the individual to reprocess traumatic memories and associated negative beliefs in a more adaptive way. As a result, EMDR can help individuals alleviate the emotional distress and cognitive distortions tied to these negative cognitions, promoting healing and fostering a more positive outlook on themselves and their experiences.