What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy is a psychotherapy approach primarily used to treat symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.

EMDR is not “talk therapy”. It involves a structured eight-phase approach in which the therapist guides the client through processing distressing memories while simultaneously focusing on external stimuli, such as bilateral eye movements, sounds, or taps. The goal is to help the individual reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and associated negative beliefs.

The eight phases of EMDR therapy are:

1. History-taking and treatment planning

2. Preparation: Establishing rapport and teaching coping skills

3. Assessment: Identifying target memories and associated negative beliefs

4. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories

5. Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs and resources

6. Body scan: Identifying and resolving any lingering physical tension

7. Closure: Ensuring the client feels stable and safe before ending the session

8. Reevaluation: Assessing progress and determining if additional sessions are needed

EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become "stuck" in the brain's memory networks, leading to symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional distress. By facilitating the reprocessing of these memories, EMDR aims to alleviate symptoms and promote psychological healing.

While the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, EMDR is thought to help integrate traumatic memories into the individual's existing memory network, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing for adaptive resolution. It is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and has also been used to address other conditions such as anxiety, depression, childhood abuse, phobias, as well as single-event traumatic experiences.