EMDR Therapy: What is it, and How Does it Help With Trauma?
By: Michelle Nortje
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful psychological treatment method designed to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories.
Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, it has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of emotional and psychological issues.
When I first heard about EMDR I remember being sceptical about how it worked but also being intrigued and excited about a new approach to working with trauma. Now that I have completed level 1 and 2 of the EMDR training, I am more confident in understanding why this has become one of the most widely researched, evidence-based approaches to working with clients affected not only by trauma, but also a wide range of difficulties.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories can get “stuck” in the brain, causing ongoing emotional and psychological distress. During a session, the therapist helps the client to process these troubling memories using a structured approach using bilateral stimulation. This typically involves the therapist guiding the client through sets of back and forth eye movements. This process helps the brain reprocess the memories, thereby reducing their intensity and vividness and allowing for more adaptive insights and responses to come about. EMDR is based on a “3 prong approach” and always keeps in mind the past, present and future functioning of the client for more effective outcomes.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy involves several phases:
- History Taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers information about the client’s past experiences and current concerns to develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Preparation: The therapist explains the unique therapy process and theory, establishes safety in the therapeutic relationship, and teaches the client self-soothing techniques to manage any distressing emotions that may arise during therapy.
- Assessment: The specific traumatic memories to be processed are identified, along with the negative beliefs, location of sensations, and emotions associated with it.
- Desensitization: Through bilateral stimulation (e.g., guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones), the therapist helps the client process the traumatic memory, reducing its emotional charge and vividness.
- Installation: New more adaptive beliefs and emotions are reinforced as new associations to the traumatic memory.
- Body Scan: The client checks for any remaining physical tension related to the memory which is processed with the support of the therapist.
- Closure: Each session ends with the therapist ensuring the client is stable and has coping strategies to use between sessions.
- Re-evaluation: Progress is reviewed, and any additional traumatic memories are addressed in subsequent sessions.
What are the Advantages of EMDR Therapy?
- Effective Trauma Treatment: EMDR has been researched extensively and shown to be highly effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.
- Rapid Results: Many clients experience significant improvement in a relatively shorter amount of time compared to other therapy methods.
- Holistic Healing: It addresses both emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms, promoting overall well-being.
- Empowerment: Clients gain a sense of agency over their traumatic memories and learn valuable coping skills for future challenges.
- Versatility: EMDR is effective for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and grief.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR therapy is suitable for individuals of all ages who have experienced trauma or distressing life events. It can be particularly beneficial for those who have not found relief through traditional talk therapies. If you’re struggling with overwhelming memories or emotions, EMDR may offer the healing and relief you need.
If you’re considering EMDR therapy, it’s important to work with a trained therapist. They can guide you through the process and ensure you receive the support and care necessary for your healing journey.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. EMDR therapy could be the key to unlocking a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Article supplied with thanks to The Centre for Effective Living.
Feature image: Photo by Marina Vitale on Unsplash
About the Author: Michelle Nortje is a psychologist who works with a range of age groups and mental health issues, including Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology, mindfulness-based approaches, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Attachment theories and psychodynamic theories.
