Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic technique used to resolve symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.  When  trauma occurs, it seems to get locked in the nervous system with the original images, thoughts and feelings. Eye movements in EMDR can unlock the upsetting material in the nervous system and allow the brain and body to resolve the experience.  EMDR also changes the negative self image and beliefs emerging from a disturbing experience to positive and empowering beliefs about one’s self.

EMDR is often helpful with issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, low self esteem, and relationship difficulties.

EMDR can also be effective with children and adolescents for emotional and behavioral issues including ADD/ADHD.  Children with ADD/ADHD are traumatized on a regular basis, by peers for missing social cues, and by adults for not focusing attention and impulsiveness.  EMDR allows children the opportunity to process these traumas while learning to access calmer states and improving self confidence.

References: 
Greenwald, R. (1999) EMDR in Child and Adolescent Therapy. Northvale, NJ. Aronson Inc.
Lovett, J. (1999) Small Wonders, Healing Childhood Trauma with EMDR. New York.                                The Free Press. Shapiro, F. (1995) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Basic          Principals, Protocol and Procedures. New York. The Guilford Press.
Tinker, R. Wilson, S. (1999) Through the Eyes of a Child: EMDR with Children. New York.                      WW Norton & Co.