EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a comprehensive psychotherapy that helps you process and recover from past experiences that are affecting your mental health.
It involves using side to side eye movements combined with talk therapy in a specific and structured format.
EMDR helps you process the negative images, emotions, beliefs and body sensations, negative beliefs associated with traumatic memories that seem to be stuck.
These can contribute to a range of mental health problems. See Below:
- PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Acute stress disorder
- Anxiety and anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- OCD – obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Panic disorder
- Depression
- Substance misuse and addiction
- Unresolved grief and loss
- Childhood and adolescent mental illness due to distressing events
- Trauma as a result of sexual assault, sexual abuse
- Trauma caused by disaster
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexual addiction
- Gambling issues
- Dissociative identity disorder
- Somatic Symptoms
- Chronic pain
- Migraine headaches
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
There can be a dramatic transformation for someone who is constantly reminded of a traumatic memory or memories. The memory or memories can be stuck or frozen and so all of the negative symptoms remain in the present day to feeling like it is behind them and not of significance anymore. Or the memory becomes unstuck from the brain’s hard wiring and transfer of file away into normal, adaptive memory networks which has vast amounts of storage and the traumatic memory is stored in healthy, normal memory processing.
EMDR helps you to see things from a different perspective and relieves the symptoms that you were suffering. You can feel more relaxed and decreased physiological arousal, stop fixating on specific thoughts, makes problems become smaller and smaller and decrease worry.
There can be a dramatic transformation for someone who is constantly reminded of a traumatic memory or memories. The memory or memories can be stuck or frozen and so all of the negative symptoms remain in the present day to feeling like it is behind them and not of significance anymore. Or the memory becomes unstuck from the brain’s hard wiring and transfer of file away into normal, adaptive memory networks which has vast amounts of storage and the traumatic memory is stored in healthy, normal memory processing.
EMDR was developed – and is best known – as a therapy for treating trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a treatment for PTSD. However, it is known to help with the list of issues below.
EMDR has a specific structure and a therapist will work through several stages with you. These include assessment of your current symptoms and your readiness for EMDR, as well as understanding how your past has shaped your present.
The therapist will also explain why you’re experiencing your current symptoms, and how trauma affects the mind and seems like it will never go away.
There are known to be eight stages which I will briefly go through, however, it is worth noting improvement can be in as little as three sessions.
History taking – designed to uncover ‘touchstone’ events. It is worth noting as the client you do not need to go into a great detail about trauma whether this is a very distressing event or a series of smaller ones.
Preparation – introduction to stress reduction techniques and self-soothing tools.
Assessment – Forming a picture of target event, identifying negative beliefs and identifying negative beliefs.
Desensitising – active therapy takes place to reduce power of memory and symptoms it produces. Also reducing negative beliefs i.e. I am unlovable
Installation – new positive beliefs installed to replace negative beliefs.
Body Scan – to see if there is any residue lingering sensations.
Closure – this is only needed if self-soothing or calming tools are required.
Re-Evaluation – before starting a new session this is to check treatment has had a positive impact and if any new information is received.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
EMDR is a psychotherapy technique that helps people process traumatic experiences and negative emotions. It involves focusing on a traumatic memory while tracking side-to-side eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones. This technique is thought to help the brain reprocess the traumatic stuck memories that are not filed away properly during REM sleep. It can reduce the associated negative emotions.
EMDR has been shown to be effective for treating a wide range of issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, addiction, and chronic pain. It can also be used to improve performance and reduce stress in athletes, performers, and business executives.
The exact mechanism of action of EMDR is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve the reprocessing of traumatic memories and the integration of these experiences into a more adaptive and less distressing narrative. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR is thought to activate the brain’s natural healing processes, allowing the traumatic memory to be reconsolidated in a less distressing way.
EMDR is generally considered safe, and there are no known long-term negative effects associated with the treatment. However, as with any psychotherapy technique, there may be some temporary discomfort or emotional distress during the treatment process.
The length of EMDR treatment can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the issues being addressed. Generally, a single EMDR session lasts between 60-90 minutes, and several sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.
EMDR should be provided by a licensed mental health professional who has been trained in the technique. This may include psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counsellors, or psychiatrists.
During an EMDR session, you will work with your therapist to identify a specific traumatic memory or issue to target. You will then be asked to focus on the memory while tracking side-to-side eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. The therapist will guide you through the process, and you may experience some temporary discomfort or emotional distress during the session. After the session, you may feel more relaxed and less distressed about the traumatic memory or issue.
Yes, EMDR can be used in combination with other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication. Your therapist will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
EMDR has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Studies have found that up to 90% of people who receive EMDR report a significant reduction in their symptoms.
