EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that helps clients heal from trauma and emotional distress. Through EMDR clients can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. EMDR shows that the mind can heal from psychological trauma just as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. Just as the body can heal itself naturally, so can the mind. However, if it is blocked by the impact of a traumatic event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. Using a structured process, an EMDR therapist can help clients activate their natural healing processes.

In addition to its use for the treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, EMDR has successfully been used to treat: Anxiety and Panic Attacks, Depression, Phobias, Complicated Grief, Addictions, Pain Relief, and Self-Esteem.

Adapted from: http://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/