Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment method using an interactive standardized desensitization and cognitive restructuring approach in combination with the use of saccadic eye movements which was developed by Francine Shapiro. This model is effective and accelerated reprocessing of unresolved traumatic memories in PTSD survivors.

In the summer of 1987 Francine Shapiro was preoccupied with disturbing thoughts.  She took a walk in Los Gatos Park in California, and noticed that her eyes moved spontaneously up and down, in a diagonal direction, repetitively, and the disturbing thoughts seemed to lose their intensity or disappear.  When she attempted to bring back voluntarily the disturbing thoughts, they had lost their negative affective charge and were no longer causing disturbance.  EMDR evolved out of this phenomenon, was developed over the last twenty years ago.

Dr. Kalayjian has personally trained by Dr. Shapiro.  EMDR reduces the effectiveness of trauma and puts survivors at ease.

Research has revealed that emotions and cognitions are processed in different areas and by different structures in the brain.  Therefore, EMDR becomes essential for PTSD survivors.  EMDR follows the most basic principles of most therapies including establishing a good relationship with the client; taking a thorough history and developing agreed upon goals.

To change beliefs and reduce fear post trauma, EMDR attempts to access both intellectual and emotional information networks by having clients bring up the visual, cognitive, emotional and sensory aspects of a problem or memory, as well as alternative adaptive cognitions.

Shapiro, F. (1995).  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures.  New York: Guilford