Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), is a novel but controversial form of treatment that was recently recognized by the American Psychological Association. EMDR is an exposure therapy that enables the individual to access and process traumatic memories to achieve resolution. Founder Francine Shapiro hypothesizes that the endorsement of a saccadic eye movement "desensitizes" the hippocampus by activating both sides side of the brain allowing the trauma to be processed. Empirical data has shown a decrease in hippocampal volume in those diagnosed with PTSD, which may suggest that it has significant negative effects on brain functioning.
