EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly successful treatment for trauma (specifically PTSD) and depression that helps the brain utilise its own natural healing patterns to reprocess memories or thoughts that cause distress, and bring to life more positive future thoughts.

EMDR therapy can help pregnant women develop imagined templates of future events that incorporate prenatal education and may deepen mothers' bonds with their babies.

Is EMDR safe while pregnant?

This information is copied from an EMDRIA blog in May 2022.

Here’s what I would love you to know about EMDR therapy during pregnancy: there is no evidence to support concerns that EMDR therapy during pregnancy is unsafe. Research now shows us that pregnant clients who receive EMDR therapy experience decreased distress and PTSD symptoms, decreased fears of childbirth, less intrusive thoughts, and overall increases in confidence about their upcoming delivery (Baas, et al., 2022; Baas, van Pampus, Braam, Stramrood, & de Jongh. 2020; Sandstrom, et al., 2008; Stramrood, van der Velde, Weijmar Schultz, & van Pampus, 2011; Stramrood, et al., 2012; Zolghadr, Khoshnazar, MoradiBaglooei, & Alimoradi, 2019). Reducing the client's fear of their upcoming childbirth while aiding symptom reduction and grounding skills increases the likelihood of creating a secure and positive attachment with their baby. And as prenatal bonding increases, so does the postpartum attachment. This is particularly the case as we aid the client in processing and healing from their deep attachment wounds and as they builds adaptive attachment skills to now aid in their own ability to parent.

EMDR in the media

Why Celebrities Are Turning to EMDR Therapy for Their Mental Health, InStyle Magazine, Aug 2022

1 in 3 Australian women describe their birth experience as traumatic. Here's what you can do to manage it, MamaMia, Jul 2022.

What to Expect From an EMDR Therapy Session, Pop Sugar, Jun 2022.