Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psycho-therapeutic approach which has been widely researched and proven effective in the treatment of a variety of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and phobias. Individuals experiencing anxiety and stress resultant to specific current and/or past stimuli or experiences often benefit from EMDR. This approach also has promising indications for the treatment of chronic, maladaptive pain. EMDR recognizes that chronic pain is both a medical and psychological problem. The management of chronic pain poses challenges to both the patient and her/his provider.

Pain can occur for many reasons and is usually a signal that something is wrong. However, pain can sometimes continue longer than expected. Long-term or recurrent pain can lead to changes in the nervous system. EMDR offers a means of stimulating the nervous system to help it change the pain responses. EMDR incorporates elements of other psychological approaches to pain management, including relaxation, cognitive therapy, visualization, meditation, and desensitization.

George M. Harper, Ed.D., Licensed Psychologist, and Sylvia S. Mork, MSW, LISW, Licensed Social Worker, have both completed training and earned certification by the EMDR Institute in the application of this therapy. They would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about the use of EMDR. If you are a referring professional interested in reviewing research about the application of EMDR and how it might benefit your patients, our staff will recommend articles.