What is EMDR? Patrick Clancy said 'miracle' treatment helped him face trauma of losing kids

Key Points:

• Patrick Clancy credited EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy with significantly helping him cope with the trauma of losing his three children, describing the treatment as working "like a miracle" in reducing nightmares and distress.
• EMDR therapy involves an eight-phase process where patients focus on traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following a therapist’s finger movements, which helps reprocess and reduce the emotional impact of those memories.
• The therapy is primarily used to treat PTSD but is also applied for anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and addiction; treatment duration varies, with some patients seeing improvement after a few sessions and others requiring longer.
• EMDR is endorsed by major organizations including the US Department of Veterans Affairs, American Psychological Association, and World Health Organization, supported by scientific research demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms.
• Several celebrities, including Prince Harry, Miley Cyrus, and Valerie Bertinelli, have publicly shared their positive experiences with EMDR, highlighting its role in helping them manage trauma and emotional distress.