EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, a psychological therapy originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by an American clinical psychologist, Francine Shapiro, in the 1980s. EMDR is recognised by NICE (the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence), along with trauma-focused CBT, as an empirically supported treatment for PTSD. EMDR has eight phases and works with the interrelationship between past, present & future. It should only be practised by qualified and experienced therapists.
Whilst EMDR incorporates elements similar to CBT, mindfulness, hypnosis and other forms of psychotherapy, it is a distinct model of psychotherapy guided by protocols and research about how we process experiences. There have been observations that results with CBT can decay with time. EMDR tends to go further than CBT and other therapies in reprocessing traumatic memories: it works on several levels, and hence processing of experiences is more complete. Additionally, processing happens at a pace which is ecological for the individual undertaking it. Most research comparing EMDR and CBT for PTSD shows them to be equivalent, although some studies have shown that EMDR is more effective and requires fewer sessions.
How does it work?
EMDR helps people to process memories of traumatic experiences so that the memories are no longer disturbing and the injured sense of self associated with traumatic experiences can heal.
An EMDR treatment session typically approaches distress in the following way:
- We access distressing memories that are associated with disturbance in the present, or target the disturbance and negative sense of self as it is currently experienced
- We activate the disturbing memory bi-laterally using eye movements, hand taps or tones in the ears, also referred to as Dual Attention
- The memory moves – physically, in regard to the disturbance, and it changes in meaning away from the negative sense of self
Who can benefit from EMDR?
Research shows that EMDR is effective in treating a range of psychological traumas. Those who have experienced combat stress, childhood abuse and neglect, natural disasters, assault, road traffic collisions and workplace accidents have all reported recovery as a result of EMDR.
EMDR is also increasingly helping people to manage other psychological difficulties. It has been found to be of benefit to children as well as adults.
For further reading, EMDR, The Originator:
Our UK outpost:
Helpful video:
The Secrets of EMDR Therapy and How It Can Help You
Two New York Times articles with useful background:
Deborah Korn writing in Aeon:
A useful video from the Trauma Foundation: