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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was originally designed to treat trauma related distress, and is recommended by the National Institute of Health & Care Excellence.  Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1988, this therapy is evidence based and considered an effective intervention for treating the long-term impact of trauma,

EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of memories related to trauma and other difficult life experiences,

helping to bring these to an adaptive resolution.

How does it work

EMDR is a brief process where we work on distressing memories while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus (typically therapist directed lateral eye movements).  This engages your brain in the same type of processing performed during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It is during REM sleep that your brain processes your day’s experiences.

In this way, EMDR enables your brain to work consciously with your therapist’s help to work through problematic stuck beliefs and emotional patterns that it has not fully processed previously in REM sleep.  in EMDR, you are the one in control and it is your brain that is doing the healing and knows what it needs

Results

Consequently new adaptive associations are forged between the traumatic memory and more adaptive memories or information. These new associations result in complete information processing, new learning, elimination of emotional distress, and the development of powerful cognitive insights. After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced.

Common effects of EMDR therapy include:

  • Reduce re-experiencing trauma memories (eg nightmares and flashbacks).
  • Help you feel more able to cope with and manage trauma memories without needing to avoid potential triggers.
  • Help you feel more able to engage in and enjoy pleasurable activities and relationships.
  • Reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, irritation, and hypervigilance, allowing you to rest well, address pressure and/or conflict, and go about your daily life without feeling fearful and prone to anxiety and panic.
  • Reduce feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and depression.
  • Boost self-confidence and self-esteem.