EMDR is a well researched, evidence-based form of psychotherapy for individuals suffering from psychological distress due to traumatic events--early childhood abuse and neglect, bullying, violence, witness to violence and other experiences that have overwhelmed an individual outside of their window of tolerance.  EMDR trained clinicians have reported successfully applying EMDR on a variety of psychological issues including: Personality disorders, eating disorders, panic attacks, performance anxiety, complicated grief, stress reduction, dissociative disorders, disturbing memories, addictions, phobias, pain disorders, sexual and/or physical abuse and body dysmorphic disorders.  EMDR is an eight phase treatment model based on the theory of Adaptive Information Processing which considers symptoms of PTSD and other disorders to result from past disturbing experiences that continue to cause distress because the memory was not adequately processed.  These unprocessed memories are understood to contain the emotions, thoughts, beliefs and physical sensations that occurred at the time of the event. When the memories are triggered these stored disturbing elements are experienced and cause the symptoms of PTSD and/or other disorders. 

During EMDR therapy, research suggests that an accelerated learning process is stimulated by EMDR’s standardized procedures, which incorporate the use of eye movements and other forms of rhythmic left-right (bilateral) stimulation.  While clients briefly focus on the trauma memory and simultaneously experience bilateral stimulation (BLS), the vividness and emotional distress of the fear and pain associated with such trauma are reduced, creating a new perspective that can facilitate and enhance self-esteem.