Overview of EMDR

Here is a video that gives a short description of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR has been a first line treatment for PSTD, Panic Disorder and many other diagnoses since it was first developed in the early 1990s. According to EMDRIA.org (the international organization of EMDR therapy training) :”EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that more than 7 million people have been treated successfully by 110,000 therapists in 130 countries since 2016.” According to the article “How effective is EMDR?” – PTSD UK. EMDR has been found to relieve 100% of single trauma PTSD symptoms in only 6 sessions. That same study found that in the treatment of complex PTSD (more than one trauma was experienced) 77% of the clients experience the reduction of the level of distress in only 6 sessions. However, individual results may vary. In addition to this amazing technique, it is equally important that “the fit” between psychologist and client is one of trust. There are a few simple steps in EMDR therapy. The intake requires some HIPAA paperwork, of course. You will be asked to write about what symptoms you want to stop experiencing and what specific goals you want to accomplish together. Then there is a personal history and some basic psychoeducation about how the limbic system works (often referred to as the “fight or flight response”). Next, we will build a number of coping skills designed to help you put the brake on your anxiety and redirect your thoughts. There are many ways to learn to deeply relax, and you will learn several of them. Together, you will learn to view your thoughts as an “observer’. Meaning that you can observe your thoughts, feelings, impulses, without having to act on them. This is often referred to as “mindfulness” training. All of this will move forward only at a speed that is comfortable for you. You will not be pushed, judged, or forced to confront anything before you are fully prepared and ready to do so. We will discuss your negative thoughts about yourself and your view of reality. We will examine your fears and anxieties. Furthermore, we will also explore your strengths as well as challenges. Then we will begin to slowly and respectively reprocess those events in the past that have scared you to the point that you avoid talking or thinking about them. You will learn techniques to go back to painful memories and reprocess them so that they lose their power to trigger hurt and pain. We will take small bits of the memories in such a way that it is possible to begin to view the memory and yourself in an entirely new way. You will learn the importance of monitoring your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensation as well as learn how they interact with each other. At the end of treatment, you will be in control of your thoughts, emotions and physical tension. What was once a terrifying memory will become a part of your history that you may actually see as an asset. Something that seemed like a trauma at the time that will become a part of your personal history that has made you stronger and more compassionate.