Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy designed to help those who have experienced a trauma or who have a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was first developed to help Vietnam veterans cope with stressful combat memories. At Miami Valley Hospital, we use the technique to help people in our treatment programs who have had major or minor traumas.
The therapy moves traumatic memories from the part of your brain where memories are “stuck” into normal memory banks so the memories cause fewer problems. As a result, you feel less emotionally upset about past events and gain better understanding of the traumatic event.
Initially, therapists guided people in using eye movements to stimulate the left and right sides of the brain. More recently, sounds and body stimulation also help you access memories, interpret them, and gain a better self-awareness of strengths you showed during the trauma. The treatment greatly reduces symptoms of past traumas in many people.
Contact Us
If you or someone close to you is experiencing a crisis, call 911. If the crisis is serious but not life-threatening, you can directly call our inpatient behavioral health unit that’s closest to you:
- Atrium Medical Center: (513) 974-5252(513) 974-5252
- Miami Valley Hospital: (937) 208-2031(937) 208-2031
- Upper Valley Medical Center: (937) 440-4300(937) 440-4300
We also can help you with a range of outpatient programs for alcohol, drug, and mental health issues:
- Call Samaritan Behavioral Health for ages 5 through adult: (937) 734-8333(937) 734-8333