Understanding EMDR: Who Performs Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy?
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 helps individuals process negative emotions, beliefs, and body sensations associated with traumatic memories that seem to be stuck. These unresolved issues can contribute to a range of mental health problems. EMDR therapy aims to provide a different perspective and relieve the symptoms associated with these memories.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a therapy that facilitates the processing of traumatic memories. It enables individuals to see things from a different perspective and free themselves from the distressing effects of trauma. By combining side to side eye movements with talk therapy, EMDR helps individuals process negative images, emotions, beliefs, and body sensations associated with traumatic experiences. Dr. Justin Havens, an EMDR consultant, describes the transformation that EMDR can bring. He explains that individuals who were constantly reminded of a traumatic memory and its negative symptoms can feel like it is behind them and no longer significant. EMDR jumpstarts the natural healing and recovery process after trauma, with the therapist providing guidance throughout the journey.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR follows a specific structure, and therapists guide individuals through various stages of therapy. These stages include assessing current symptoms and readiness for EMDR, understanding how past experiences have shaped the present, and explaining the connection between current symptoms and trauma. Therapists help individuals prepare for the processing of traumatic memories, ensuring client safety is prioritized. The next stage involves accessing traumatic memories and engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as side to side eye movements, sounds in headphones that alternate between ears, or tapping on the body. This bilateral stimulation helps individuals access their subconscious mind and process stored memories and their effects. EMDR therapy activates the natural healing process, allowing individuals to view traumatic memories in a different way and reducing distress.
EMDR's Effectiveness and Recognition
EMDR was initially developed and is widely recognized as a therapy for treating trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is endorsed by reputable organizations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a treatment for PTSD.
However, EMDR can also be used to help with a range of mental health difficulties beyond trauma, including anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioral issues, relationship problems, and more serious mental illnesses such as psychosis and personality disorders. These problems often have roots in past traumas that may not be immediately apparent. EMDR therapy helps uncover and process these underlying traumas, providing relief and facilitating healing.
EMDR Therapists and Training
Who Performs EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy requires specific training and the development of specialized skills to deliver it safely and competently. EMDR therapists undergo training and accreditation by organizations such as the EMDR Association UK and professional bodies like BACP. When considering an EMDR therapist, it is important to check their training, qualifications, and certifications. This information can typically be found on their website, the EMDR Association UK website, or through therapist directories.
Choosing an EMDR Therapist
When selecting an EMDR therapist, it is crucial to find someone who has undergone the required training and possesses the necessary skills. The EMDR Association UK provides accreditation for EMDR therapists, and their website can help individuals find qualified practitioners.
Additionally, professional bodies like BACP can offer information about therapists' credentials. Conducting thorough research and ensuring that the therapist has the appropriate qualifications will ensure a safe and effective EMDR therapy experience.
The Role of EMDR Therapists
EMDR therapists play a crucial role in guiding individuals through the therapy process. They assess clients' current symptoms and readiness for EMDR, provide explanations about trauma's impact on the mind, and facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. Therapists utilize bilateral stimulation techniques such as side to side eye movements, sounds, or tapping to help clients access their subconscious mind and reprocess traumatic memories. Throughout therapy, therapists provide support, validation, and guidance, ensuring that the client's safety and wellbeing are prioritized.
EMDR Applications and Impact
What Can EMDR Help With?
While EMDR is widely recognized as a treatment for trauma and PTSD, its applications extend beyond these specific issues. EMDR therapy can help with various mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioral problems, relationship issues, and more serious mental illnesses such as psychosis and personality disorders. Many of these problems may have underlying traumatic experiences as their root cause, even if it is not immediately apparent. EMDR therapy helps individuals identify and process these underlying traumas, leading to symptom relief and improved overall mental health.
Impact of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy can have a profound impact on individuals who have experienced trauma or are struggling with other mental health difficulties. By reprocessing traumatic memories and changing perspectives, EMDR allows individuals to release the emotional and psychological burden associated with these experiences. The transformative changes experienced through EMDR therapy are often described as true and empowering. Individuals who previously felt terror or shame may experience a shift towards calmness and a sense of empowerment. The number of sessions needed for significant improvements can vary, with some individuals benefiting from as few as six sessions.
EMDR Therapy and Clinical Endorsement
Clinical Recognition of EMDR
EMDR therapy has gained recognition and endorsement from numerous reputable organizations in the field of mental health. The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, among others, recognize EMDR therapy as an effective treatment. Clinical guidelines and research support the positive outcomes associated with EMDR therapy for various mental health disorders.
EMDR Therapy Research and Findings
Numerous studies and ongoing research support the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Research findings suggest that EMDR is an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, as well as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences. Some studies even indicate that EMDR therapy outperforms certain medications in trauma treatment. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the World Health Organization have also recognized EMDR therapy as an effective treatment. These endorsements and research findings serve as a testament to the benefits and impact of EMDR therapy in the field of mental health.
FAQs
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, 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 to process negative emotions, beliefs, and body sensations associated with traumatic memories.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy can benefit individuals who have experienced trauma or who are struggling with various mental health difficulties. It is recognized as a treatment for trauma and PTSD, and it can also help with issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioral problems, relationship issues, and more serious mental illnesses.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR therapy follows a specific structure and involves several stages. These stages include assessment, understanding the connection between past experiences and current symptoms, preparation for processing traumatic memories, accessing traumatic memories, and utilizing bilateral stimulation techniques to process and reframe those memories.
Is EMDR therapy effective for trauma?
Yes, EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders such as PTSD. Numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy and positive outcomes in the treatment of trauma and other mental health difficulties.
