Understanding EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a comprehensive psychotherapy that helps individuals process and recover from past experiences that are affecting their mental health and wellbeing. It involves using side-to-side eye movements combined with talk therapy in a specific and structured format. EMDR assists in processing negative images, emotions, beliefs, and body sensations associated with traumatic memories that may be stuck, contributing to a range of mental health problems.

EMDR therapy allows individuals to see things from a different perspective and relieves the symptoms they may be experiencing. According to Dr. Justin Havens, an EMDR consultant, there can be a dramatic transformation from constantly being reminded of a traumatic memory and experiencing negative symptoms to feeling like it is behind them and no longer significant. EMDR kickstarts the natural healing and recovery process after trauma, with the therapist supporting the individual as they heal from the inside out.

What can EMDR help with?

Although EMDR is best known as a therapy for treating trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can also be used to help with other mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioral difficulties, relationship issues, and more serious mental illnesses like psychosis and personality disorders. Many of these problems may actually be rooted in some kind of trauma, whether it occurred during childhood or as an adult. Sometimes, it may not be obvious that trauma is the underlying cause.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR follows a specific structure, with the therapist working through several stages with the individual seeking therapy. These stages include assessing current symptoms and readiness for EMDR, understanding how the past has shaped the present, and explaining why the individual is experiencing their current symptoms.

According to Dr. Havens, one of the initial stages is understanding how the person has become who they are and what happened to them. The therapist explores the patterns created by past events and identifies which traumatic memories need to be processed in order to facilitate recovery. Ensuring client safety is of utmost importance during this therapy, given its potentially powerful nature.

The therapy then progresses to accessing the traumatic memories and initiating bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation involves stimulating either side of the brain in an alternating left-right fashion, which helps access the subconscious mind and process what is stored there and how it affects the individual. This can be achieved through eye movements, auditory stimulation, or tactile stimulation, such as tapping the body.

Reprocessing the emotion-laden memories and replacing negative or traumatic images or memories are central to EMDR therapy. It allows individuals to view these memories from a different perspective, reducing distress and facilitating remarkable changes in how people feel. The transformative changes achieved through EMDR therapy feel true at a gut level and can lead to a shift from feelings of terror or shame to calmness and empowerment.

The duration of EMDR therapy varies for each individual. While some people may experience significant improvements within six sessions, others with more complex issues may require more sessions to achieve their desired outcomes.

Effectiveness and Recognition of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and proven to be an effective psychotherapy method for helping individuals recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. It has also shown positive clinical outcomes in treating other disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, and addictions, among others.
In fact, EMDR therapy has shown superiority to medications like Prozac in trauma treatment.

Major national and international organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the World Health Organization, among others, recognize EMDR therapy as an effective treatment. These organizations have established treatment guidelines that endorse the use of EMDR therapy.

Experience and Transformation with EMDR Therapy

From a therapist's perspective, EMDR therapy can lead to profound transformations in individuals. Therapists witness the process by which clients shift from being constantly reminded of traumatic memories and experiencing negative symptoms to feeling a sense of closure and resilience. EMDR therapy allows individuals to heal from the inside out and bring about lasting change.

On the individual's end, the experience of EMDR therapy can be transformative. It provides an opportunity to process traumatic memories and reframe them in a way that no longer feels distressing. Through the therapy, individuals acquire a new understanding of themselves and their experiences, leading to a sense of calmness and empowerment. EMDR helps them establish a different relationship with their past, freeing them from the burden of their traumatic memories.

Finding an EMDR Therapist

Choosing an EMDR therapist requires careful consideration and ensuring that the therapist is specifically trained and qualified to deliver EMDR therapy safely and competently. Therapists who offer EMDR should already be accredited by professional bodies and have specific training in this modality.

Accreditations and associations, such as the EMDR Association UK, provide certifications to EMDR therapists. When seeking an EMDR therapist, it is important to check their qualifications, training, and accreditation. This information can usually be found on their website, the EMDR Association UK website, or through directories provided by professional bodies. Asking these questions during the initial inquiry can also help ensure that the therapist is suited to meet individual needs.

FAQs

1. What is EMDR therapy?
   EMDR therapy is a comprehensive psychotherapy that helps individuals recover from past experiences that are affecting their mental health and wellbeing. It involves using side-to-side eye movements combined with talk therapy in a specific and structured format.

2. How does EMDR work?
   EMDR therapy follows a specific structure and involves accessing traumatic memories while experiencing bilateral stimulation. This facilitates accessing the subconscious mind and reprocessing the negative emotions associated with the memories.

3. What can EMDR help with?
   EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be used to help with a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioral difficulties, relationship issues, and more serious mental illnesses.

4. What should I expect during an EMDR session?
   During an EMDR session, the therapist will guide you through the structured process, which includes discussing your current symptoms, understanding the impact of the past on the present, accessing traumatic memories, and initiating bilateral stimulation. The therapy aims to reprocess and transform the negative emotions associated with traumatic memories, leading to healing and recovery.

In conclusion, EMDR therapy offers a comprehensive approach to healing and recovery from traumatic experiences. It helps individuals reprocess negative emotions associated with traumatic memories and view them from a new perspective. EMDR therapy has been recognized and endorsed by major national and international organizations as an effective treatment for various mental health difficulties. When seeking an EMDR therapist, it is important to consider their specific training and qualifications to ensure safe and competent delivery of therapy.

Reference

1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

2. What is EMDR? | Types of therapy

3. About EMDR Therapy