Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

When we experience particularly distressing or traumatic situations such as assault, natural disasters, military combat, abuse or the sudden loss of a loved one, among others, our bodies experience a sudden spike in the feelings of stress at the time, and then regulate and stabilise these feelings after the event has passed.

Sometimes, however, these experiences, or even a period of prolonged stress, can keep our minds and bodies in a state of fear and panic long after the event has passed. This can result in us avoiding certain situations, having trouble eating or sleeping, becoming easily startled, feeling powerless, scared, easily triggered, experiencing negative emotions, and becoming alienated from those we love.

What Is Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was first created by the psychologist Francine Shapiro, after she noticed that moving her eyes from side to side while contemplating difficult memories improved her mood. Today it is used to help people process trauma or other distressing life experiences by focusing directly on changing how that particular memory is stored in the brain.

EMDR involves using different types of left-right stimulation, called bilateral stimulation, while focusing on the traumatic memory. This can include moving the eyes from side to side, alternating tones beeping from ear to ear, or flashing lights. In many cases, the way that you think, feel and respond as a result of your trauma can be rewritten, helping your body to realise that the risk of harm has passed, and you are now safe. EMDR can be used effectively on its own, or alongside other psychological techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy.

Who Can Benefit From Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing Therapy?

EMDR was originally designed to treat PTSD, and it may also be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including addictions, anxiety, chronic pain, depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, panic disorder and phobias. EMDR can help people to process their experiences in a more detached way than traditional talk therapies, which can make it particularly suitable for people who have difficulty talking about their trauma.

What Is The Evidence Behind Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing Therapy?

Both the World Health Organisation and the American Psychological Association recommend EMDR as a therapy of choice for those who have experienced trauma and loss.
EMDR has been found to effectively reduce panic symptoms and improve quality of life.
Studies show that EMDR may help improve symptoms in other mood disorders and may be useful as an additional treatment for people who have chronic pain.
Studies have also found that EMDR yields fast results, with 80% to 90% of people reporting positive results within their first three sessions.

Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

What Is Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing Therapy?

Who Can Benefit From Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing Therapy?

What Is The Evidence Behind Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing Therapy?

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