Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

1. What is EMDR?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy approach that is designed to help individuals process and alleviate distressing or traumatic memories. It is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can get “stuck” in a person’s memory and continue to cause emotional distress. During EMDR sessions, patients recall traumatic memories while simultaneously focusing on a therapist’s bilateral stimulation, which can include side-to-side eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile sensations. EMDR aims to help individuals reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional impact and facilitating healing.

Here’s how EMDR typically works:

1.  History and Assessment: The EMDR therapist begins by taking a thorough history of the individual’s traumatic experiences and current symptoms. This helps the therapist identify the specific memories that need to be addressed.
2. Preparation: Before starting the EMDR process, the therapist helps the individual develop coping skills and relaxation techniques to ensure they can manage any distress that may arise during therapy.
3. Target Memory Selection: The therapist and the individual work together to select a specific target memory or experience that is causing emotional distress. This memory is the focus of the EMDR session.
4.  Bilateral Stimulation: During the EMDR session, the individual recalls the target memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This can involve side-to-side eye movements, tapping, auditory tones, or other forms of bilateral stimulation. The exact method may vary depending on the therapist’s approach.
5.  Processing: While the individual focuses on the memory, the therapist encourages them to notice any thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations that arise. The bilateral stimulation continues throughout this process.
6. Desensitization: Over time, the emotional charge associated with the memory typically decreases. The individual becomes desensitized to the distressing aspects of the memory, making it less emotionally overwhelming.
7.  Reprocessing: As the emotional distress decreases, the individual is encouraged to think about the memory in a more adaptive and positive way. This can lead to a change in the individual’s beliefs and feelings about the traumatic experience.
8.  Installation: The therapist helps the individual install positive beliefs or thoughts about themselves that replace the negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memory.
9.  Body Scan: After the memory has been reprocessed, the individual is guided through a “body scan” to identify any remaining physical tension or distress. This is then targeted for processing if necessary.
10. Closure: The EMDR session ends with the individual feeling more relaxed and with improved coping skills. If necessary, additional sessions may be scheduled to address other target memories.

EMDR is typically conducted over several sessions, and the number of sessions required can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and the complexity of their trauma. The goal is to help the individual process traumatic memories, reduce their emotional impact, and promote healing and adaptive coping. EMDR is often used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It should be administered by a trained and licensed EMDR therapist.

Call on 07 4440 0008 to discuss your requirements and arrange an appointment.