EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy was developed by psychologist, Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is a powerful therapeutic approach that is effectively used to alleviate psychological distress associated with traumatic or disturbing memories or resulting from life events or experiences using bilateral stimulation, which typically involves eye movements, but can also include other forms of stimulation such as hand tapping or auditory tones.
EMDR can effectively treat various presenting problems, some of which are:
PTSD, Childhood trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Complicated grief, Natural disasters, Sexual or Physical abuse, Medical Trauma, Witnessing violence or a traumatic event
EMDR can help individuals regain a sense of control, improve their coping skills, and restore overall well-being.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Sometimes, when we experience a distressing or traumatic event, our brain’s processing system can become overwhelmed, preventing it from processing and storing information as it ordinarily would. This can cause the memory to become ‘stuck’. If this unprocessed memory comes into our awareness, it can feel as distressing as it did the first time it was experienced. This is because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with the memory still appear to be there, unchanged. Such memories can have lasting effects on a person that interferes with how they see the world and relate to others.
EMDR is provided in a structured, safe, and supportive environment where you are fully awake, and in control at all times. It is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client, with the client being actively involved in their healing journey, with their input and feedback valued throughout the therapeutic process.
EMDR treats the underlying cause of the symptoms, creating profound and long-lasting changes. Bilateral stimulation is used during specific phases of EMDR therapy to activate the brain and facilitate the processing and integration of the distressing memories so the individual no longer relives the trauma with the original associated symptoms. The event can still be recalled, but it is no longer as vivid or disturbing, instead, the memory becomes distant, the emotional intensity reduces, or diminishes, and any previously experienced nightmares or flashbacks will usually reduce or cease. More helpful beliefs will emerge, improving overall mental health and well-being.
How does EMDR Therpay work?
The number of EMDR sessions required can vary, depending on the person’s circumstances and the nature of what is being worked through in sessions. As few as 2-3 sessions can be enough in some cases, whereas, others may take several sessions, and in more complex circumstances the EMDR therapy may continue over a longer period in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches.
The sessions will usually be 60 minutes every 1-2 weeks but will be discussed and mutually agreed upon between the therapist and client.
During the first session, you and your therapist will discuss your history and identify what, in particular, you would like to work on.
You will also identify strategies and tools to practice during and between sessions to ensure you are fully supported.
You will then move on to recalling the memory while simultaneously engaging in sets of bilateral stimulation to decrease the distress associated with the memory. Your therapist will then guide and support you in further sets of bilateral stimulation to explore and reframe your thoughts and emotions, establishing new positive cognitions
