Free · EMDR-based · Self-guided
This tool helps people.
People in despair. People who are traumatized. People with PTSD. This trauma therapy derives from the well-known EMDR method — and it can replace a long-term therapy. We recommend using it under the supervision of a coach or therapist.
The idea
Traumatic experiences are implanted in our brains like a frozen image. Using your own eye movement, you are able to „defrost“ some of those images. This way, you are healing yourself.
Preparation
You can use any monitor or beamer to view the trauma therapy videos. The important thing is to cover your complete field of view — so if your monitor is 20 inches, try to be about 20 inches away from it. This also works with a VR headset, or a cardboard viewer.
Sit down upright in front of the screen and adjust its height so your eyes face the center. Do not cross your arms or legs — just let them relax.
How it works
As soon as the short introduction is over, a dot starts moving constantly from side to side. Your job is to follow the dot with your eyes — your eyes only. Keep your head straight. The dot moves on a horizontal line: first in the center of the screen, then in the upper third, then in the lower third.
Each area of the screen is connected to an area of your body:
- Center — focus on what you hear when you think about your traumatic experience. Which sounds do you associate with the situation? What thoughts come to mind?
- Upper third — focus on pictures. What do you see when your memories come? These may not be easy at first — stay focused, it gets easier.
- Lower third — this area is connected to your body. What do you feel when you think about your trauma? Do not judge. Let the feelings flow through you.
Conclusion
By the end of the video, try to rate your experience, where (10) is „overwhelming, I can barely stand this“ and (1) is „nearly out of focus, I can handle this“. How frozen are your images? Have they started defrosting yet?
Watch the video again. And again. And again — but not longer than 90 minutes at a time, then rate your experience once more. After watching for about one hour, your scale should be down to around a (4). Now your brain is ready to heal itself. After one session, leave at least a three-day waiting period before the next.
Now — start the video
Press play, then use the fullscreen icon in the bottom-right corner of the video player.