EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is a powerful psychotherapy technique that has been very successful in helping people who suffer from trauma, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, post traumatic stress and many other emotional problems.

How was EMDR Developed?

Dr. Francine Shapiro, founder of EMDR therapy

In 1987, an American psychologist, Francine Shapiro, observed that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. She continued to vigorously research this phenomenon and in 1989 reported success using EMDR to treat victims of trauma. After this initial discovery, many treatment studies were carried out and today there are more published treatment outcome studies on EMDR than any other treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

What is an EMDR session like?

An EMDR session is quite different to that of a regular counselling session. However, as a starting point, it is still essential to take a comprehensive history (1-2 sessions) before this processing commences. Typically there are eight phases of treatment:

History and Treatment Planning: (1-2 sessions)
Preparation: (1-4 sessions) People with acute trauma histories may require more sessions. During this phase you will be taught specific techniques to cope with emotional disturbance that might arise during processing.
Assessment: You will select a specific scene or picture from the target event that best represents the memory. Negative beliefs associated with the event(s) are isolated and processed and positive beliefs or preferred beliefs are put forward.
Desensitisation: This phase focuses on any disturbing emotions and sensations as they are measured by the SUDS (Subjective Units of Discomfort Scale) rating. The aim of this phase is to reduce the SUDS to below 2.
Installation: In this phase the goal is to concentrate on and increase the strength of the positive belief that you have identified to replace the original negative belief.
Body Scan: Following acceptance of the positive belief after it has been strengthened and installed, I will ask you to refocus on the original target event and notice whether there are any residual feelings of tension in your body. An EMDR session isn't considered to be successful until you can bring up the original target without feeling any physical tension.
Closure: I will ensure that you leave the session feeling better than you did at the start. I will teach you a variety of techniques to help you feel calm and contained.
Re-evaluation: At the commencement of every new session we will check to see whether resolution has been maintained. We may need to engage in further processing of targets or associated memories if you are still experiencing discomfort.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

Almost anyone can benefit from EMDR. However, this remarkable therapy was originally developed for the resolution of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to help overcome the particular set of reactions that can develop in people who have been through a traumatic event which threatened their life or safety, or that of others around them.

A person with PTSD experiences four main types of problems:

Re-living the traumatic event.
Feeling overly watchful (hypervigilance) or feeling wound up.
Avoiding reminders of the event.
Feeling emotionally numb.

EMDR FAQ

What happens in a session?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is different for everyone, because the healing process is guided from within. A comprehensive history will be taken before memories are targeted and processed. Often past issues or memories come up, which are related to the current concern.

Is EMDR hypnosis?

No it is not. Processing utilises all your own thoughts and you are fully awake.

Will I be in control?

In EMDR you are always in charge of when to start or stop. You can decide how much to tell me about the experience being processed. I am on hand as a guide to help keep you on track and to gain maximum benefit from the session.

Ready to Learn More?

If you're interested in exploring EMDR therapy, we're here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about how EMDR can benefit you.