EMDR Treatment for Depression

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new method of treating depression. This therapy does not involve any form of medication.

In this treatment, the therapist first takes the patient through the negative thoughts or emotions that is responsible for the depressive illness and asks to concentrate on it. The therapist then asks the patient to move the eyes rapidly back and forth. This type of eye movement occurs naturally while dreaming. This movement of the eye speeds up the healing process. The emotion responsible for depression gradually goes into the past and loses its strength. Since the healing process takes place within a patient, EMDR is different for each person.

EMDR allows the patient to face the reasons responsible of depressive illness in a safe environment and in the presence of a therapist. Through this process the patient will be able to get through bad memories and lessen the disturbing power of such memories. The altered state of consciousness that the EMDR is able to provide will be handy in facing the disturbing emotions in the future.

The number of sessions needed depends on the current status of the patient. The patient will also have to go through high level of disturbance, so the number of sessions also depends on the patient's level of tolerance. The length of the therapy also depends on the patient's cooperation.

EMDR is highly effective in curing depression arising out of trauma. The complete cooperation and involvement of the patient is vital for the success of EMDR.