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EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
What is EMDR?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful and evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on a person’s physical and emotional responses to a traumatic memory rather than just the memory itself.
The core principle behind EMDR is that our minds have a natural ability to heal from psychological trauma, much like our bodies heal from physical injuries. However, sometimes a traumatic or overwhelming event can get “stuck” in our nervous system, preventing the brain from processing it properly. This can lead to persistent distress, negative beliefs about oneself, and a range of other symptoms.
During an EMDR session, a therapist guides the client through a series of bilateral stimulation—most commonly, side-to-side eye movements—while the client focuses on a traumatic memory. This bilateral stimulation is believed to help the brain’s information processing system unlock and reprocess the “stuck” memory, integrating it in a more adaptive and less distressing way. The result is a reduction in the vividness of the memory and a decrease in the associated emotional and physical distress.
Rodger is a qualified EMDR therapist and undertook his training with The Royal Berkshire College of Clinical Hypnosis. He integrates EMDR into sessions where it is indicated as he finds it is best to use as part of a suite of tools and approaches rather than stand alone.
What is EMDR used to treat?
While EMDR was originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), its application has expanded to a wide range of conditions stemming from distressing life events. EMDR is used to treat:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This is the primary and most well-researched use of EMDR. It is highly effective for both single-incident trauma (e.g., a car accident, a natural disaster) and complex trauma (e.g., childhood abuse, military combat).
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks: EMDR can help reprocess the underlying memories or experiences that contribute to anxiety and panic.
- Depression: It can be used to address past traumatic events or negative beliefs that are contributing to depressive symptoms.
- Phobias: EMDR can help desensitize a person to the specific fear associated with a phobia.
- Grief and Loss: It can assist in processing the painful memories and emotions tied to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.
- Addictions: EMDR can address the underlying trauma that often fuels addictive behaviors.
- Eating Disorders: It can help reprocess the traumatic experiences or self-beliefs that contribute to disordered eating.
- Pain Management: For chronic pain that has a psychological component, EMDR can help reduce the emotional distress associated with the pain.
Benefits of EMDR as a Form of Therapy
EMDR offers several significant benefits that make it a compelling choice for individuals seeking to heal from past trauma and distress:
- Fast and Effective: Many clients experience significant relief in a relatively short period, often within a few sessions. While the number of sessions varies depending on the complexity of the trauma, EMDR is often considered a more time-efficient therapy compared to some other modalities.
- Beyond Talk Therapy: For individuals who find it difficult to talk about their trauma, EMDR provides a way to process it without having to verbally recount the details repeatedly. This can be less re-traumatizing and more comfortable.
- Addresses the Root Cause: Instead of just managing symptoms, EMDR works to resolve the underlying traumatic memory that is causing the distress. This leads to lasting change rather than just temporary relief.
- No Homework Required: Unlike some therapies that require extensive homework or journaling between sessions, EMDR’s reprocessing work happens in the session itself.
- Empowering: EMDR helps clients move from feeling stuck and controlled by their past to feeling empowered and in control of their present and future. It leads to a natural reduction in symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional reactivity.
- Non-Invasive: The process is safe, and there are no medications involved. It works with the brain’s natural healing capabilities.
If you believe that past experiences are holding you back, EMDR may be the transformative therapy you’ve been looking for.