What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), is a therapeutic approach used to treat trauma-related disorders, anxiety and depression.
Sometimes the brain may not be able to process fully traumatic events. Experiences can be so disturbing they disrupt the brain’s information processing system. Processing might normally help us to deal with and resolve traumatic experiences. Symptoms of this processing not working can include flashbacks, nightmares, persistent thoughts about the event, or the avoidance of thinking about the incident, problems sleeping or concentrating and angry outbursts.
If the brain has not processed disturbing memories properly, the present can become dominated by negative emotions and sensations, so that the past is never laid to rest, but continues to poison the present.
The memory of a traumatic experience seems to become stuck, unprocessed, so that it remains very intense and vivid. The person can re-experience what they saw, heard and smelt and the full force of the distress they felt whenever the memory comes to mind. Even seemingly trivial things, such as the expression on someone’s face, can spark negative associations, and accompanying sensations, such as a tightness in the stomach or chest. This is where EMDR can help.
EMDR aims to help individuals process traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation exercises, such as eye movements or tapping. The bilateral stimulation is thought to activate both hemispheres of the brain, facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories. EMDR aims to help the brain “unstick” and reprocess the memory properly so that it is no longer so intense. It also helps to desensitise the person to the emotional impact of the memory, so that they can think about the event without experiencing such strong feelings.
Who can benefit?
Of course, we are all different, and so what works for one person may not work for another. However, the common aims of EMDR therapy include:
Reduce re-experiencing trauma memories.
Help you feel more able to cope with and manage trauma memories without needing to avoid potential triggers.
Help you feel more able to engage in and enjoy pleasurable activities and relationships.
Reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, irritation and being hypervigilant to signs of feeling threatened - allowing you to rest well, address pressure and/or conflict, and go about your daily business without feeling fearful and prone to panic.
Reduce feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and depression.
Boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
The process of EMDR
During the initial phase, I will ask you about your history, including what you are experiencing, whether or not you're taking any medication and what kind of support you're already receiving (if any). Getting to know you in this way will help me determine whether or not EMDR is the best course of action for you.
Before EMDR treatment begins, I will talk you through the theory, answering any questions you may have. At this point, we shall also spend some time together going through relaxation exercises (these may include guided meditations or breathing techniques) to utilise during the treatment and during times of stress outside of your sessions.
At this point, you will be led through phases three to six. You will now target specific distressing memories with eye movements or other forms of left-right stimulation such as taps or sounds with me working alongside you. To start with you will be asked to select an image to represent the event and then to think about positive and negative thoughts, the amount of distress you feel and where you feel it in your body.
We shall then work using bilateral eye movements (or taps or sounds) in a series of 'sets' lasting around 25 seconds. After each set, you will be asked for feedback on your experience during the preceding set, before starting the eye movements again.
I may also ask you to recall the original memory and ask you how it seems to you now. This will continue until your feelings of distress have reduced and you're experiencing more positive thoughts and feelings.
The seventh phase is known as closure and it offers you time to feel calm again using the relaxation exercises you learned at the beginning of the session. Finally, the eighth phase is called re-evaluation - and this is effectively the first step in your next session. This phase will see us working together to consider how you are coping and whether or not you need to address the same memory as last time or if you are able to move on to something different.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is one of the most significant, exciting and innovative therapeutic developments for decades in the treatment of psychological trauma related conditions, supported by extensive research. It is recommended for the treatment of PTSD in national and international guidelines including the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). EMDR is a successful therapy used by counsellors, therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists.