Eye Movement and Reprocessing Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) was pioneered and developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s after noticing that specific eye movements appeared to reduce the emotional intensity linked to distressing memories. EMDR was originally used to treat PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) but over the years it has proven through extensive research and the test of time to help with other things as well since its focus on processing distressing memories contributes to symptom relief in different conditions. It is recognized as evidenced-based treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress disorders in treatment guidelines published by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the World Health Organization, and a growing number of national and international organizations. Treatment guidelines are based on reviews that evaluate the research of established evidence-based mental health treatments.

EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment modality for PTSD by organizations and publications such as the International Society for Trauma Stress Studies, American Psychiatric Association, and more. See this website for the complete list.

EMDR therapy is listed as a treatment for PTSD and/or other trauma and stressor disorders by the following organizations. These treatment guidelines are based on reviews that evaluate the research of established evidence-based mental health treatments:

What to expect in an EMDR session:

EMDR is based on the idea that the brain has a natural capacity to process and adaptively store memories. Traumatic experiences can sometimes get 'stuck' or improperly processed in the brain, leading to ongoing distress.

During an EMDR session, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation techniques such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. These stimulate both sides of the brain, replicating the natural processing that occurs during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

While engaging in bilateral stimulation, the client focuses on specific distressing memories, thoughts, or sensations related to the trauma. This process facilitates access to the memory while allowing for a degree of emotional detachment.

As the client concentrates on the targeted memory, the bilateral stimulation helps facilitate the brain's processing of the memory. This often results in a reorganization of the memory's emotional charge, allowing it to be stored more adaptively in the brain.

Through repeated sets of bilateral stimulation, the distress associated with the memory tends to decrease. Clients may experience a shift in their thoughts, emotions, or beliefs about the memory, leading to a reduction in emotional reactivity and distress.

Over the course of EMDR sessions, distressing memories are gradually processed and integrated, leading to a reduction in the emotional charge and an improvement in the client's overall well-being. This can result in a lessening of symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, or depression.

The exact mechanisms behind how EMDR works are still being studied, but the process aims to help individuals reprocess distressing memories in a way that promotes healing and adaptive functioning. It often leads to a decrease in the distress associated with traumatic experiences, allowing clients to move forward with greater resilience and a more positive outlook on life.

The Eight Phases of EMDR

1. History-Taking and Treatment Planning: In this initial phase, the therapist gathers comprehensive information about the client's history, identifying specific memories and issues to target during the EMDR process. Together with the client, they develop a treatment plan that outlines the focus areas for reprocessing.



2. Preparation: During the preparation phase, the therapist educates the client about the EMDR process, ensuring they understand the nature of traumatic memories and teaching them coping strategies for emotional regulation. The goal is to establish a sense of safety and trust before proceeding to the reprocessing phases.


3. Assessment: In this phase, the therapist and client work together to identify target memories for reprocessing. The client accesses the distressing memory, along with associated negative beliefs and physical sensations, while the therapist evaluates the level of disturbance using a subjective units of distress scale.



4. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of guided eye movements, the therapist helps the client process the targeted memories. This phase aims to reduce the emotional intensity and disturbance associated with traumatic memories, allowing the individual to reprocess the experiences in a more adaptive manner.

5. Installation: Positive beliefs and emotions are targeted in this phase. The therapist assists the client in replacing negative beliefs with positive ones, enhancing feelings of self-worth and resilience. Bilateral stimulation continues to support the installation of these positive cognitions.

6. Body Scan: Focusing on residual physical tension or discomfort associated with the targeted memories, the body scan phase involves addressing any remaining physiological distress. Bilateral stimulation is applied to facilitate the release of residual tension, promoting a more complete resolution of the traumatic experience.

7. Closure: At the end of each session, the therapist ensures that the client is emotionally stable and provides them with self-regulation techniques. The closure phase is crucial for maintaining a sense of equilibrium between sessions, preventing potential emotional overwhelm.


8. Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist and client reevaluate the progress made and identify any new aspects or memories that require attention. This ongoing assessment allows for the continued refinement of the treatment plan, ensuring comprehensive healing and integration of adaptive beliefs.

For more info, check out EMDRIA’s website here

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