EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy created in 1987 by the American psychologist Francine Shapiro. It is recognised as the treatment of choice for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and numerous studies have already demonstrated its effectiveness.
As its name suggests, EMDR is based on the movement of the eye, a rapid sweep that the therapist makes with his index finger from left to right and that the person follows with his or her gaze while reconnecting to the traumatic event through thought.
Eye movements are directly linked to brain function. They are reminiscent of REM sleep, when the eyes move back and forth rapidly. During this dream phase of sleep, the brain reprocesses information from the day. Cerebral connections are made to retranscribe this information and reduce its emotional impact.
When trauma or a difficult life event occurs, a number of symptoms can develop. Insomnia, anxiety, avoidance, social isolation, feelings of sadness or guilt can set in and, in some cases, last a long time. EMDR is particularly effective in reducing the emotional impact of the traumatic experience on the individual and alleviating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
This therapy is based on the principle that every pathology, symptom or problem is generated by disturbing or traumatic events in the past: events that have not been 'digested' or dealt with properly, and which still have an impact on behaviour in the present.

This therapy has simultaneous effects on the body, mind and emotions.

During an EMDR session, the therapist asks the patient to think about the moment of the trauma, allowing their emotions to rise. The therapist then asks the patient to follow his or her finger with their eyes, moving it in front of them. The stimulation lasts around ten seconds, after which the patient expresses his or her emotions and sensations to the therapist. This process is repeated several times during the session. The intensity of the emotion provoked by the memory of the trauma gradually diminishes until it disappears.