Where Did EMDR Originate? Unraveling the Origins and Impact of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
A copy of the Origin of Species bby Charles Darwin
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 utilizing side-to-side eye movements combined with talk therapy in a specific and structured format. EMDR helps individuals process negative images, emotions, beliefs, and body sensations associated with traumatic memories that seem to be stuck, which can contribute to a range of mental health problems. This therapy allows individuals to see things from a different perspective and relieve the symptoms they were experiencing.
What is EMDR?
EMDR therapy is widely recognized as a treatment for trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is endorsed by organizations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, EMDR 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 such as psychosis and personality disorders. Many problems may actually be rooted in some kind of trauma, whether it occurred during childhood or adulthood, and it may not always be obvious that this is the case.
How does EMDR help with mental health?
EMDR therapy follows a specific structure and involves several stages. The therapist assesses the individual's current symptoms and readiness for EMDR, as well as understanding how their past experiences have shaped their present. Understanding the reasons behind the current symptoms and how trauma affects the mind is an important part of the therapy process.
One of the initial stages of EMDR therapy is to understand how the individual has reached their current state and what traumatic memories need to be processed for their recovery. The therapist helps prepare clients for the processing of traumatic memories, ensuring that client safety is paramount. The next part of the therapy involves accessing the traumatic memories and initiating bilateral stimulation. This can be achieved through side-to-side eye movements, sounds played in headphones alternating between the ears, or tapping on either side of the body.
Working in this way, EMDR therapists can reprocess emotion-laden memories and help clients view them in a different way. By kickstarting the individual's natural healing process, EMDR therapy aims to replace negative or traumatic images or memories with a different perspective, relieving distress and facilitating a remarkable change in how people feel.
Origins and Impact of EMDR
EMDR therapy was developed as a breakthrough therapy for overcoming anxiety, stress, and trauma. It has garnered recognition from numerous national and international organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the World Health Organization.
History of EMDR
EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Dr. Shapiro discovered that certain eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts and memories, leading to the development of EMDR therapy. Since its inception, EMDR has gained popularity and acceptance as an effective therapy for trauma treatment.
Impact of EMDR on trauma treatment
Research on EMDR therapy has consistently demonstrated positive clinical outcomes. It has been found to be an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.
In fact, EMDR therapy has shown superior effectiveness compared to medications such as Prozac in trauma treatment. Over 7 million people have been successfully treated by 110,000 therapists in 130 countries since 2016, according to Shapiro and Forrest.
Recognition by national and international organizations
Several prestigious organizations, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the American Psychological Association, and the World Health Organization, recognize EMDR therapy as an effective treatment. These organizations have published clinical guidelines that endorse the use of EMDR therapy for various mental health conditions, further solidifying its status as a widely recognized and respected therapeutic approach.
EMDR Therapy Process
The EMDR therapy process involves several stages that are carefully designed to guide individuals towards healing and recovery.
Stages of EMDR therapy
EMDR therapy consists of eight phases, each with its own specific objectives and techniques. These stages include history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. The therapist works collaboratively with the individual to ensure a safe and supportive environment throughout the process.
Bilateral stimulation techniques
Bilateral stimulation is a key component of EMDR therapy. It involves stimulating both hemispheres of the brain in an alternating left-right fashion. This stimulation can be achieved through side-to-side eye movements, auditory stimuli, or physical tapping. Bilateral stimulation is thought to facilitate the processing and integration of traumatic memories and emotions, making them less distressing and disruptive.
Duration and effectiveness of EMDR therapy
The duration of EMDR therapy varies depending on the complexity of the individual's issues and their response to the treatment. Some individuals may benefit significantly from as few as six sessions, while others with more complex issues may require more prolonged therapy. EMDR therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating trauma and related mental health difficulties. Many individuals experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall well-being after completing EMDR therapy.
Choosing an EMDR Therapist
Selecting an EMDR therapist is an important decision that should be made with careful consideration.
Importance of specific training for EMDR therapists
EMDR therapy requires specific training and specialized skills to deliver it safely and effectively. It is crucial to choose a therapist who is accredited by professional bodies such as the EMDR Association UK and has received thorough EMDR training. Therapists who wish to train in EMDR must already be accredited by professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Accreditation and qualifications
When choosing an EMDR therapist, it is essential to examine their credentials and qualifications. Therapists should clearly state their EMDR training and qualifications on their websites or profiles. The EMDR Association UK website or professional directories like the BACP therapist directory can also provide specific information about therapists' EMDR training and credentials.
Considerations for selecting an EMDR therapist
In addition to training and qualifications, it is also important to consider other factors when selecting an EMDR therapist. Personal fit, therapeutic approach, location, and availability are all factors that may influence your choice. It is recommended to have an initial conversation or consultation with potential therapists to assess their compatibility with your needs and goals.
FAQs
What is EMDR and how is it used?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization 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 utilizing side-to-side eye movements combined with talk therapy in a specific and structured format.
Who developed EMDR and when?
EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.
What is the theory behind EMDR?
The theory behind EMDR suggests that traumatic experiences can become "stuck" in the brain, leading to distressing symptoms and difficulties in daily life. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy is believed to facilitate the processing and integration of these traumatic memories and emotions, allowing individuals to reprocess them in a healthier and less distressing way.
How is EMDR different from other therapies?
EMDR is distinct from other therapies due to its unique focus on bilateral stimulation and its application to traumatic memories. While other therapies may focus more on talk-based approaches, EMDR combines talk therapy with bilateral stimulation to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories and their associated emotions.
In conclusion, EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment for trauma and related mental health difficulties. Its structured approach and use of bilateral stimulation have been proven to facilitate the processing and integration of traumatic memories and emotions. Accredited EMDR therapists with specific training and qualifications are essential for delivering this therapy safely and competently. By choosing an EMDR therapist, individuals can embark on a journey towards healing and recovery, transforming their negative experiences into sources of strength and empowerment.