EMDR
The initials ‘EMDR’ are an abbreviation of “Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing”.
What is it?
A specialist technique, used for accelerating the healing of emotional trauma. It can only be delivered by qualified healthcare professionals, and is usually offered in conjunction with traditional approaches to psychotherapy.
Where and when did it start?
In 1987, Dr. Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that a repetitive bilateral eye movement could significantly reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts and feelings. Since then, the protocols for delivering EMDR have developed rapidly. It is now used by health practitioners throughout the world. Clinical research studies have shown that it can accelerate the body’s own natural adaptive information processing of memories, and that the effects are usually long lasting.
EMDR was initially developed for sufferers of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). People who have suffered accidents, natural or public disasters, war and violence (combatants and civilians), or physical or sexual assault, have all benefitted.
In 2005, EMDR was validated as a treatment of choice for PTSD by NICE (The UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence).
What symptoms can it treat?
EMDR has been successful in treating the symptoms of PTSD, and is now developing to treat other areas of psychological and emotional distress, including blocks to effective performance.
These include symptoms of anxiety and depression, panic attacks, phobias, sleep disturbance, complex grief, childhood abuse, performance anxiety and various alcohol, food and substance addictions. People have found EMDR can help to improve self-confidence, leading to more positive and emotionally balanced lives.
What happens in an EMDR session?
During an EMDR session, the client identifies a specific memory or behaviour they want to work with, and formulates a goal they are aiming for. Guided by the therapist, they call to mind the disturbing event, including their sensory experiences. Thoughts and beliefs about themselves in relation to the experience are discussed. While focussing on these aspects in a structured way, the therapist guides the client through a series of small repetitive sensory movements to stimulate different parts of the brain bilaterally. This can be done in a variety of ways to suit the client, which will be discussed with them to find their preferred method.
The repetitive sensory movements may be likened to those naturally experienced during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. What is termed a "bilateral stimulation" of neural networks allows the reprocessing of memories to occur. It isn't known exactly how or why EMDR works, but clinical research over many years demonstrates that it does, and increasingly the neuroscientific basis of it is being understood.
Individuals process the stored memories uniquely, based on their personal experiences and values. There is no right or wrong way. They are simply asked to notice what comes to mind during the procedure, without making any effort to control direction or content.
By the end of a session, people typically experience some relief to the problem. This may be simply viewing the event in a different way. The experience isn’t erased from memory, but becomes stored in a different, functionally more healthy manner. Usually, some new meaning is found, to help make more sense of the experience. Any changes that occur are purely the result of the person’s own innate, health-seeking natural processes.
During a session, clients may experience powerful and intense emotions, but they are usually fleeting. By the end of a session, there is usually a significant reduction in their level of disturbance.
EMDR is not a ‘miracle cure’. It is a powerful form of therapy which can have very significant effects on a person’s psychological and emotional well-being, in a relatively short time.
How long does it take?
An initial consultation is required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem, and assess whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The duration and frequency of sessions can then be discussed, and questions answered.
During the assessment phase, the client is introduced to the EMDR technique, and can decide whether they feel comfortable with it. If they want to proceed and mutual agreement is reached, EMDR can start.
How long it takes overall depends on the particular issue and/or symptoms, and what the client hopes to achieve. Typically, a course of treatment lasts 6–12 sessions, with appointments scheduled weekly or fortnightly.
For further information, visit: