What is EMDR? EMDR at RESTorative therapy services.

EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy that stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic or distressing memories can cause psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, phobias,  panic attacks, substance, use, OCD, etc. 

EMDR therapy aims to help the client process and heal these memories by using a combination of eye movements, bilateral stimulation (such as tapping or sounds), and cognitive techniques.

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase process that includes history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. In each session, the therapist guides the client to identify a target memory that is causing them distress, along with the negative beliefs, emotions, and sensations associated with it. The therapist then asks the client to focus on the memory while following the therapist’s hand or a device that moves back and forth across the client’s field of vision. This creates a rapid eye movement that mimics the natural eye movement that occurs during REM sleep, which is believed to facilitate memory processing and integration. The therapist also uses bilateral stimulation, such as tapping the client’s hands or playing sounds in each ear, to enhance the effect of the eye movements. The therapist periodically checks in with the client to monitor their level of distress and to help them reframe any negative thoughts or feelings that arise. The goal of EMDR therapy is to reduce the emotional charge of the memory and to replace the negative beliefs with positive ones that support the client’s well-being.

 EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and validated by numerous studies and meta-analyses. It is effective for treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, as well as anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, chronic pain, addiction, and more. EMDR therapy is considered to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment, with few adverse effects reported. However, some clients may experience temporary discomfort, such as increased distress, vivid dreams, or emotional fluctuations, during or after the sessions. These are normal reactions that indicate that the memory processing is taking place and that usually subside within a few days. EMDR therapy is not suitable for everyone, and it requires a thorough assessment and preparation by a trained and certified EMDR therapist who can determine the client’s readiness and suitability for the treatment. EMDR therapy is not a magic cure or a quick fix, but it can be a powerful and effective tool for helping clients overcome their psychological challenges and achieve their goals. 

• EMDR does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions.  EMDR focuses on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, and allows the brain to resume its natural healing process2.
   

 EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing model, which suggests that the brain can store normal and traumatic memories differently and that EMDR can help the brain reprocess the traumatic memories in a more adaptive way 

*Reduced emotional distress and negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memory.

*Increased positive emotions and beliefs that support the client’s well-being.

*Improved functioning and quality of life in various domains, such as social, occupational, and personal.

*Enhanced resilience and coping skills to deal with future challenges