Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is it?
EMDR is an evidence based treatment recognised by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the first line of treatment for people suffering with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Clinical trails have found that EMDR is highly effective in helping people who have suffered from trauma which may include a one-off traumatic event such as a car crash or repetitive traumatic experiences over a longer period of time. EMDR has also been shown to be an effective form of treatment for anxiety, depression, additions, complex grief and OCD.
Could it help you?
If you are suffering from the impact of a traumatic experience/s, you may be struggling with symptoms that feel intrusive and limit the quality of your daily life such as; hyper-vigilance, panic attacks, nightmares, repetitive distressing thoughts, numbness or blanking out, flashbacks, irritability, avoidance of situations or places.
What actually happens?
If the brain’s natural processing system is blocked by the impact of a disturbing event, the memory of the event is stored in a raw 'live' state and can easily be triggered by unrelated but similar events in the present. The intrusion of these memories can cause emotional suffering, physical symptoms, negative self beliefs, unpleasant thoughts and sensations and maladaptive or avoidance behaviours. The focus of EMDR is to remove these blockages in order to activate the brain's natural healing processes so that past memories are stored in a way that they no longer intrude upon the present.
What happens next?
If our assessment indicates that EMDR is suitable, we will work through a standardised eight-phase treatment protocol to help the brain to reprocess distressing memories, reduce their influence and allow the client to develop more effective ways to get on with their lives. When the client feels safe enough to reprocess disturbing memories, the therapist will use sets of side to side eye movements, sounds or taps while the client is guided to notice what comes to mind allowing the brain's natural healing process to take place. Old distressing memories are transformed into “just normal memories” then stored in such a way that they no longer intrude upon the present or future functioning. The process of EMDR is conducted in a safe and contained way to ensure a positive outcome.
Finally, please note that EMDR is a powerful but effective treatment. It is advisable to choose a EMDR Europe Accredited practitioner or consultant who has been thoroughly trained and vetted.
All EMDR sessions last 60-90 minutes. If you are interested in further information, you may find the following links useful: What is EMDR, EMDR Videos & info
Useful Reading:
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. By Francine Shapiro
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. By Bessel van de Kolk
Waking the Tiger. By Peter A Levine
The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment. By Babette Rothschild
Healing The Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors. By Janina Fisher
