DR PAULA PSYCHOLOGY
EMDR
EMDR works because it allows the brain to heal and recognise information in the very way the person's system would have wanted to do in the first place had it not been caught up in a flight/flight/freeze stress response.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a therapeutic approach primarily used to help individuals process traumatic memories and experiences. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma-related conditions.
Here's an overview of how EMDR works:
1. Targeting Traumatic Memories: EMDR is often utilized in the treatment of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) but can also be beneficial for other conditions related to distressing life experiences. The therapist helps the individual identify specific traumatic memories or distressing events that continue to cause emotional distress or dysfunction.
2. Bilateral Stimulation: During an EMDR session, the therapist facilitates bilateral stimulation, which can involve eye movements, hand-tapping, or auditory cues (like sounds or tones). This bilateral stimulation is thought to mimic the rapid eye movement (REM) phase during sleep, which is when the brain processes and consolidates memories.
3. Processing Traumatic Memories: While engaging in bilateral stimulation, the individual is guided to focus on the distressing memory or event. This process enables the brain to reprocess the memory, allowing for the integration of new and more adaptive information. This helps in reducing the emotional charge associated with the memory, making it less distressing over time.
4. Phases of EMDR: EMDR typically involves several phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation of positive beliefs, and closure. The therapist works with the individual to develop coping mechanisms and enhance emotional regulation skills throughout these phases.
5. Adaptive Resolution: Through this reprocessing, individuals often experience a shift in how they perceive the traumatic memory. The memory becomes less distressing and may feel more distant or less overwhelming. New insights and understandings may emerge, allowing the individual to view the memory in a more adaptive and less distressing way.
6. Effectiveness and Applications: EMDR has been found to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms associated with trauma, including flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. It's also been used to treat various conditions beyond PTSD, such as depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, and more.
7. Safety and Professional Guidance: EMDR should only be administered by trained mental health professionals who have received specific EMDR training and certification. Proper assessment, preparation, and ongoing support throughout the process are crucial to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Overall, EMDR is a structured and evidence-based therapy that aims to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories, allowing individuals to move towards healing and a more adaptive resolution of past experiences.