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EMDR

EMDR is an acronym for a powerful psycho-therapeutic technique called Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

EMDR is a remarkable treatment method used to heal the symptoms of trauma, as well as other emotional conditions. EMDR is the most effective and rapid method for healing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), as shown by extensive scientific research studies.

The EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, right/left eye movement, or tactile stimulation, or sound, which repeatedly activates the opposite sides of the brain releasing emotional experiences that are "trapped" in the nervous system. This assists the neuro-physiological system, the basis of the mind/body connection, to free itself of blockages and reconnect itself.

EMDR allows a client to process an emotional experience that he/she cannot yet talk about, yet following a EMDR session find an ability to talk about it freely. Most importantly, it can eliminate stress surrounding the traumatic event, with the purpose of allowing new life in the once traumatised and emotionally difficult memory.

In the late 80's, psychologist Francine Shapiro, Ph.D, observed that particular eye movements reduced the intensity of disturbing thoughts in some clients. Dr Shapiro decided to study this effect scientifically. In 1989, she reported in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, her success using a method she called EMDR to treat victims of trauma. Since that time, other therapists around the world have contributed to its development. EMDR has evolved into a highly effective technique which incorporates elements from various other treatment modalities.

Since Dr. Shapiro's initial efficacy study in 1989, world-wide research has helped develop and evolve EMDR. To date, more than half a million people have benefited from EMDR therapy.

How does EMDR work?

When disturbing experiences happen, they are stored in the brain with all the sights, sounds, thoughts and feelings that accompany it. When a person is very upset, the brain seems to be unable to process the experience as it would normally. Therefore, the negative thoughts and feelings of the traumatic event are "trapped" in the nervous system. Since the brain cannot process these emotions, the experience and/or it's accompanying feelings are often suppressed from consciousness. However, the distress lives on in the nervous system where it causes disturbances in the emotional functioning of the person.

The EMDR Technique does two very important things. First, it "unlocks" the negative memories and emotions stored in the nervous system, and second, it helps the brain to successfully process the experience.

The therapist works gently with the client, guiding him or her to revisit the traumatic incident. When the memory is brought to mind, the feelings are re-experienced in a new way. EMDR makes it possible to gain the self-knowledge and perspective that will enable the client to choose their actions, rather than feeling powerless over their re-actions. This process can be complex if there are many experiences connected to the negative feelings. The EMDR therapy sessions continue until the traumatic memories and emotions are relieved.

What are the advantages of EMDR Therapy?

Research studies show that EMDR is very effective in helping people process emotionally painful and traumatic experiences.  When used in conjunction with other therapy modalities, EMDR helps move the client quickly from emotional distress to peaceful resolution of the issues or events involved.

EMDR sessions work amazingly fast. Processing even the most difficult memories can be achieved in a fraction of the time it would have taken with other traditional therapies.  Traditional therapies often focus on memories from the unconscious mind, and then analyse their meaning to gain insight into the problem. EMDR clients also acquire valuable insights during therapy, but EMDR can short-cut the process and go right to the releasing stage.

The positive, long-term results of EMDR therapy affect all levels of the client's well-being - mental, emotional and physical, so that their responses return to normality and health.

Studies consistently show that treatment with EMDR result in elimination of the targeted emotion. The memory is remains but the negative response is neutralised.

What problems could be helped by EMDR?

The studies to date show a high degree of effectiveness with the following conditions:

• loss of a loved one
• injury of a loved one
• car accident
• fire
• work accident
• assault
• robbery
• rape
• natural disaster
• injury
• illness
• witness to violence
• childhood abuse
• victims of violent crimes
• trauma
• performance anxiety
• stage fright
• depression
• anxiety or panic
• fears and phobias
• childhood trauma
• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• post traumatic stress
• panic attacks
• low self-esteem
• relationship problems
• brooding or worrying
  trouble sleeping

The EMDR technique is most effective when used in conjunction with other traditional methods of therapy in treating these and many other emotional disorders.  EMDR therapy can help clients replace their anxiety and fear with positive images, emotions and thoughts.

Are there studies that show that EMDR is effective?

EMDR is the most thoroughly researched method ever used in the treatment of PTSD & trauma.  There are more controlled studies on EMDR than on any other method.  A study of individuals who experienced rape, military combat, loss of loved ones, disasters and serious accidents, found that 84-90% had relief of their emotional distress after only three EMDR sessions.  Another study showed that EMDR was twice as effective in half the amount of time of standard traditional psychotherapeutic care.

Another study of subjects with post traumatic stress revealed that the significant improvement they gained with the EMDR treatments were maintained for at least 15 months.  Although some people have dramatic responses in a short period of time, others will progress more slowly. However, the results will be equally effective and long lasting.

What happens during an EMDR session?

Just as EMDR assists the brain with its natural processing of emotional information, the EMDR therapist assists the client in their healing process by becoming a partner on a journey to release past trauma from the client's nervous system.

A typical EMDR session begins with the therapist gently guiding the client to pinpoint a problem or event that will be the target of the treatment.  As the thoughts and feelings come to the surface, the therapist and client work together to re-direct the eye movements that accompany the briefly recalled experience. As the eye movements are re-directed, the accompanying emotions are released.

The patterns of eye movements continue until the emotions are neutralised and the event is re-associated with positive thoughts and feelings about oneself, such as" I realise now that it wasn't my fault."

How often would I need EMDR Therapy?

Typically, an EMDR session lasts from 60 to 90 minutes. The length of the session depends upon a number of factors, including the nature and history of the problem, the degree of trauma, the specific circumstances on that particular day, etc.

The history and evaluations are usually unsertaken at the beginning of the session. Then, in some cases, where a single recent traumatic event is involved, a single session of EMDR may be all that is required. For individuals with a history of multiple painful experiences and years of feeling bad about them, a number of EMDR sessions may be needed.  however, it is always up to the client to determine how many sessions they require, and the frequency of those sessions.

Is there any discomfort involved in the EMDR process?

The EMDR treatment can evoke strong emotions or sensations during a session. This is perfectly normal and desirable, since the technique works on the negative feelings when they are brought into the client's awareness. However, the re-experiencing of these unpleasant feelings is brief and they will soon leave you when the process is completed.

If the client perseveres through the upsetting memories for a short time, he or she will likely be thrilled with the outcome of the therapy. Relief It occurs rapidly, and for many, permanently.

What happens between EMDR sessions?

Between EMDR sessions, it is a good idea for the client to keep a daily log in which to record any unusual or noteworthy thoughts or feelings. He or she can then bring their notes to the next EMDR session. This log helps the therapist to know if any adjustments in therapy are warranted.

After an EMDR session, there may be a strong sense of relief, a feeling of openness or even euphoria. This is a normal reaction to the release that has, and is, taken place.

From time to time, some clients experience unusual thoughts or vivid dreams that may or may not have any meaning. This is part of the releasing process and should not cause undue concern. Actually, unusual experiences during the time period of the EMDR therapy indicate that it is working.

Is EMDR Hypnosis?

No. During the EMDR session, the client is awake and alert and in control at all times. The healing that takes place with EMDR is much faster than with hypnotherapy. Like hypnosis, EMDR seems to work with the unconscious mind, bringing into consciousness the repressed thoughts and feelings that must be experienced again in order to release their energetic hold on the person.

How do I know if EMDR is right for me?

There are a number factors to consider when evaluating the appropriateness of EMDR therapy for a client's particular situation and history. During your initial consultation with a trained EMDR therapist, all the relevant factors will be discussed in full to help you both come to a decision to move forward with EMDR.

Some Objectives of EMDR Therapy

Thanks to the on-going success of EMDR therapy for hundreds of thousands of people, it is not difficult to have high expectations for a therapy program that includes the EMDR technique.  The short-term benefit of EMDR is simple and straightforward -- the immediate relief of emotional distress and the elimination of the debilitating effect of unresolved past trauma.

The longer-term benefits of EMDR therapy includes the restoration of each client's natural state of emotional functioning. This return to normality brings with it a greater sense of personal power, more rewarding relationships and a more peaceful life.