What is EMDR?
What is EMDR? EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy approach that was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s to help individuals who have experienced trauma, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and has been widely used in clinical practice.
The primary goal of EMDR therapy is to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the distress associated with them.
EMDR therapy involves a structured eight-phase approach:
- History-Taking: The therapist gathers information about the client’s history and identifies target traumatic memories that need to be processed.
- Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process to the client and helps them develop coping skills to manage emotional distress during treatment.
- Assessment: The client identifies the negative beliefs and associated emotions related to the traumatic memories.
- Desensitization: The client focuses on the traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, which can involve rapid eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. This phase aims to reduce the emotional intensity and distress associated with the memory.
- Installation: Positive beliefs are identified and strengthened to replace the negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memory.
- Body Scan: The client checks their body for any lingering physical tension or discomfort related to the traumatic memory.
- Closure: The therapist helps the client return to a state of equilibrium and provides relaxation techniques if necessary.
- Reevaluation: The client and therapist review progress and address any remaining issues.
The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR is thought to mimic the rapid eye movements that occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, which is when the brain naturally processes and integrates memories. EMDR is believed to facilitate the brain’s ability to process traumatic memories and reorganize them in a way that reduces their emotional charge.
EMDR has been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. It is used in individual therapy sessions, and the number of sessions required can vary depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their trauma. It’s essential for individuals seeking EMDR therapy to work with a trained and licensed therapist who is experienced in this approach.
