Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a method of psychotherapeutic treatment that’s proven by world research for effective treatment of trauma (PTSD and PTSD-like symptoms).    It’s a set of standardized protocols incorporating elements from many treatment approaches.  To date, it’s helped an  estimated 3 million people of all ages relieve many types of stress.  Clinicians also report substantial success using EMDR in treatment of panic attacks, dissociative disorders, anxiety, dissociative disorders, complicated grief, performance (both academic and artistic) anxiety, pain disorders, eating disorders, and phobias.

EMDR has been an option for those, who present on stage, in studio, meeting room, classroom, courtroom, and playing field “venues”.  It’s called Performance Enhancement.

Brain imaging shows us our neurological responses to situations and thought processes.  We know that when you’re upset, you’re brain can’t process information clearly.  That moment, then, becomes “frozen in time”.  So, remembering a trauma may feel just like it did when you first experienced it.  The images, sounds, smells, physical sensations, and emotions can remain “etched” in full color.  Such memories can have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way you see the world and relate to other people.  EMDR can directly effect the way the brain processes information.  Following a successful EMDR procedure, the “freeze” is unlocked and processed through to a far less upsetting place.  EMDR is a physiologically-based therapy, which allows you to see the disturbing material; yet it shows in a less distressing way.  Plus, emphasizes your strengths of today.

In Performance Enhancement, EMDR integrates positive, motivating information about the self to improve performance.

For more information about the world studies of EMDR, visit emdria.org