Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing – commonly called EMDR – was originally developed as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. Its acceptance as an effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD has since become widespread, recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the World Health Organization and others as a frontline therapy.
Nikki Rodriguez, certified as an EMDR therapist in 2022, treats people with PTSD and related conditions at her practice in Vero Beach.
“EMDR is an evidence-based, eight-phase therapy designed to help individuals process and resolve distressing or traumatic memories,” explains Rodriguez…