EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro, who discovered it when she was walking in a park and was experiencing some disturbing thoughts. She tells the story of how she began to move her eyes back and forth while holding those thoughts, and found they were not as distressing. This led her to investigate the effectiveness of eye movements in treating trauma and eventually developed the technique.
When a person experiences a traumatic event, it can get stored in the brain in a way that can cause problems such as flashbacks, nightmares or feeling stuck in the past. EMDR helps people change the way the brain stores these memories, and getting past the event can become easier as a result.
During an EMDR session, therapists have their patients think about a traumatic memory, while other stimuli come into play, such as concentrating on eye movements, tapping, or sounds. These stimuli activate both sides of the brain, helping patients to access their trauma memory more effectively than verbal therapy. They can then engage with that memory in a more adaptive and less traumatic way, which often leads to healing.
EMDR is divided into eight phases or steps, and each of these phases plays an essential role in the process of healing. The initial three steps involve the assessment of the patient’s history and establishing the rapport between the patient and the therapist. The next step focuses on identifying the traumatic memory and how it has affected the patient, and the therapist works to help the patient understand and control their emotions better. After this, the therapist uses a technique that involves bilateral stimulation to help the patient process the traumatic event.
The treatment is ongoing, and patients are advised to avoid any other treatments that may interfere with the process. Furthermore, the clinicians must regularly re-evaluate the patient’s condition to determine if there are any improvements or if changes need to be made.
EMDR has been found to be effective in treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. There is also some evidence that it may be helpful for people who experience chronic pain or who have experienced trauma during childhood. Many patients who have undergone EMDR treatment report feeling more in control of their emotions, less triggered by specific memories or experiences, as well as a general reduction in symptoms of PTSD.
One of the most significant advantages of using EMDR as treatment is that it allows patients to avoid re-traumatization that is common in other treatment modalities. The EMDR therapist does not need to hear all the details of the patient’s traumatic experience or personal history, which can help reduce the chance of patients being re-traumatized.
In conclusion, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing has become an increasingly popular technique for treating people with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. While many people do not initially know what to expect from the treatment, the process of reprocessing can bring about a sense of relief and peace. EMDR can help the brain rewire itself in response to traumatic memories, leading to a more positive outlook on the future. If you are interested in EMDR, talk to a qualified clinician and find out if this treatment could be right for you.