EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing

EMDR How does it work?

To understand EMDR it helps to know how the brain processes information. When something traumatic or emotionally distressing happens, we naturally go into shock. For example being involved in a car accident, or witnessing any other deeply distressing emotional events. Because we are in a state of shock the brain sometimes fails to process the feelings and thoughts that we have at the time. So, for example feelings such as fear, anxiety and worry can literally become “stuck” and not processed by the mind. The body then fails to recognise that the event is over and continues to react as if the event is still happening. This is common in war veterans, those who have been involved in Road Accidents and those who have been attacked, held hostage or raped.

EMDR allows the “stuck” thoughts and feelings to be processed by the mind. When they have been properly processed symptoms significantly reduce. In one study of people with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) EMDR was found to be 95% effective.

What happens in a session?

In an EMDR session the therapist will get the client to bring the thoughts and feelings to mind whilst repeatedly looking left to right (usually the therapist will ask the client to watch a moving object). Such left to right eye movements mimic REM sleep – the state in which the brain naturally processes information. Brain scans have shown this actually happening during an EMDR session. The client is at all times awake and alert.

What is it helpful for?

EMDR is also helpful for panic attacks, anxiety, addictions, dissociative disorders, disturbing memories, stress reduction, complicated grief, stage fright, nightmares, public speaking, phantom limb pain, migraines and more. EMDR re-frames memories in a more effective way.

The American Psychological Association considers EMDR the treatment of choice for these types of problems. Many insurance companies are sending survivors of traumatic events such as road accidents for EMDR treatment.

Professional EMDR training is only available to practising Psychologists, Psychotherapists or experienced accredited counsellors.

What are the benefits?