Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
What is EMDR?In 1987, a respected American Clinical Psychologist and Researcher Dr Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts and feelings under certain conditions. Dr Shapiro studied this scientifically. In the 1989 edition of The Journal of Traumatic Stress, she reported success using EMDR in treating victims of severe trauma. Since then EMDR has developed rapidly, and has been widely researched. Trained therapists all over the world now use it.
How does EMDR work?
When an individual is traumatised, they experience such strong emotions that it is thought to overwhelm the brain. The brain consequently is unable to cope with or process information as it does ordinarily. Distressing experiences become 'frozen in time'. They are stored in the brain in the original 'raw' form and can recur as 'action replays' or intrusive memories. The person repeatedly relives the original unpleasant event/s. Remembering a trauma may feel as bad as experiencing it the first time because the images, sounds, smells and feelings haven't changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect on the way a person sees themselves, the world and other people. It can affect parts or all of their lives, including their ability to work or study.
EMDR seems to directly influence the way the brain functions. It helps to restore normal ways of dealing with problems (i.e. information processing). Following successful EMDR treatment, memories of the event are no longer painful when brought to mind. What happened can still be recalled, but is less upsetting. EMDR appears to mimic what the brain does naturally on a daily basis during dreaming or REM (Rapid Eye Movements) sleep; EMDR can be thought of an inherently natural therapy which assists the brain in working through distressing material.
Is EMDR effective?
Research studies have shown that EMDR can markedly accelerate the healing process after a traumatic experience and that the effects are long lasting. In fact, there are now more scientifically controlled studies on the treatment of post traumatic stress disorders with EMDR than with any other form of psychological treatment. EMDR is highly effective, preferred by clients and generally of shorter duration than other treatment methods.
What is an EMDR session like?
An EMDR session is conducted with the use of a uniquely designed protocol. Generally speaking, the therapist will help the client to focus simultaneously on various aspects of the traumatic event, including relevant memories, thoughts, feelings and physical sensations. While focusing on these aspects of the problem, the therapist bilaterally stimulates the client's brain through eye movements, sound or other tested techniques. This enables the reprocessing of psychological and emotional material. Bilateral stimulation is continued with inputs from both the client and therapist, until the memory becomes less disturbing and is accompanied by an increase in more positive and realistic beliefs about oneself and the world. This method seems to facilitate the natural healing processes of the brain. During the session, clients may experience powerful emotions. At the end, there is usually a great reduction in their level of distress. the client is not hypnotised during EMDR.
How long does EMDR take?
One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR more fully and provide an opportunity to answer any questions about the method. Once therapist and client have agreed that EMDR is appropriate for a specific problem, the actual EMDR may begin.
A typical EMDR session lasts for up to two hours. The type of problem, life circumstances and the amount of previous treatment will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. Sessions usually take place weekly or fortnightly.
What can EMDR do?
Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress disorders with a reported decrease in symptoms in 70 to 90% of cases, after three to six sessions. It has also been successfully applied in treatment of chronic pain, phobias, panic and a variety of anxiety disorders including performance anxiety, complicated grief, sexual and/or physical abuse and disturbing memories.
How does EMDR work?
When an individual is traumatised, they experience such strong emotions that it is thought to overwhelm the brain. The brain consequently is unable to cope with or process information as it does ordinarily. Distressing experiences become 'frozen in time'. They are stored in the brain in the original 'raw' form and can recur as 'action replays' or intrusive memories. The person repeatedly relives the original unpleasant event/s. Remembering a trauma may feel as bad as experiencing it the first time because the images, sounds, smells and feelings haven't changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect on the way a person sees themselves, the world and other people. It can affect parts or all of their lives, including their ability to work or study.
EMDR seems to directly influence the way the brain functions. It helps to restore normal ways of dealing with problems (i.e. information processing). Following successful EMDR treatment, memories of the event are no longer painful when brought to mind. What happened can still be recalled, but is less upsetting. EMDR appears to mimic what the brain does naturally on a daily basis during dreaming or REM (Rapid Eye Movements) sleep; EMDR can be thought of an inherently natural therapy which assists the brain in working through distressing material.
Is EMDR effective?
Research studies have shown that EMDR can markedly accelerate the healing process after a traumatic experience and that the effects are long lasting. In fact, there are now more scientifically controlled studies on the treatment of post traumatic stress disorders with EMDR than with any other form of psychological treatment. EMDR is highly effective, preferred by clients and generally of shorter duration than other treatment methods.
What is an EMDR session like?
An EMDR session is conducted with the use of a uniquely designed protocol. Generally speaking, the therapist will help the client to focus simultaneously on various aspects of the traumatic event, including relevant memories, thoughts, feelings and physical sensations. While focusing on these aspects of the problem, the therapist bilaterally stimulates the client's brain through eye movements, sound or other tested techniques. This enables the reprocessing of psychological and emotional material. Bilateral stimulation is continued with inputs from both the client and therapist, until the memory becomes less disturbing and is accompanied by an increase in more positive and realistic beliefs about oneself and the world. This method seems to facilitate the natural healing processes of the brain. During the session, clients may experience powerful emotions. At the end, there is usually a great reduction in their level of distress. the client is not hypnotised during EMDR.
How long does EMDR take?
One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR more fully and provide an opportunity to answer any questions about the method. Once therapist and client have agreed that EMDR is appropriate for a specific problem, the actual EMDR may begin.
A typical EMDR session lasts for up to two hours. The type of problem, life circumstances and the amount of previous treatment will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. Sessions usually take place weekly or fortnightly.
What can EMDR do?
Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress disorders with a reported decrease in symptoms in 70 to 90% of cases, after three to six sessions. It has also been successfully applied in treatment of chronic pain, phobias, panic and a variety of anxiety disorders including performance anxiety, complicated grief, sexual and/or physical abuse and disturbing memories.
