WHAT IS EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach which has been extensively researched and proven effective providing relief from emotional distress attached to (traumatic) memories.
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Trauma can be thought of as a negative event in our lives that is outside the normal experience of everyday living. It can be a big 'T' trauma, like a car accident or sexual assault, or smaller 't' trauma, like being bullied or a relationship breakdown.
When something traumatic happens, it seems to get locked in the nervous system often with the original images, sounds, thoughts, and feelings, that were first experienced. Since the experience is locked in the nervous system, it continues to be triggered whenever a reminder comes up. These old memories are often the basis for feelings of low self-worth, depression, anxiety and panic etc.
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EMDR Therapy is a structured treatment that involves focusing simultaneously on a) original memory and its associated thoughts, feelings and sensations, and b) bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements) to disrupt working memory, and reduce distress associated with the memory. Once traumatic memories have been desensitized and reprocessed, they no longer have the same negative impact. Memories typically become less vivid and upsetting, intrusive symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks reduce or cease, and more positive beliefs emerge.
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What can EMDR help with?
EMDR can be used to treat a range of psychological issues, including:
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Early trauma
PTSD
Anxiety
Anger
Panic Attacks
Phobias
Depression
Addictions (gambling, food, AODS)
Complicated grief
WHAT EMDR 'LOOKS' LIKE
While it is called 'eye movement' therapy, EMDR is much more than using eye movements - in fact therapists often combine other helpful therapeutic treatments . EMDR is made up of 8 phases, including history taking, getting you ready for treatment, and reprocessing difficult memories. Depending on your presenting concerns and therapy goals these 8 phases may take just a few sessions to complete or far longer for more complicated issues.
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During EMDR, the therapist works with the client to identify the specific problem or traumatic memory as the focus for the treatment session/s. The therapist will then ask the client to bring up the memory and begin eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. The eye movements are used until the memory becomes less disturbing and becomes associated with a positive thought and belief.
MORE INFORMATION
The EMDR Institute
​ ​https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
​The EMDR Association of Australia
The EMDR International Association
