Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment originated by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It uses eye movements and other techniques to help people recover from traumatic life experiences. According to The New York Times, Shapiro developed the technique “one person at a time, experimenting first on herself and then on friends and colleagues.” To date, her techniques have helped more than two million people recover from psychological trauma and emotional distress. History of EMDR Therapy In 1987, when Shapiro was a psychology student, she tried to shake off a disturbing memory by taking a walk in the park. As her eyes darted back and forth in distraction, the memory started to fade. Her experience led to the development of EMDR therapy. As she experimented with therapy techniques, she noticed her eye movement. When disturbing thoughts came to mind, her eyes darted back and forth in a rapid, spontaneous way. “The thoughts disappeared,” she said. “When I brought them back to mind, their negative charge was greatly reduced.” A positive belief replaced the disturbing one. Shapiro assumed eye movement had a desensitizing effect on painful memories. As she continued her experiments, she found that others had the same response. Yet, she knew eye movements alone could not create a comprehensive treatment. So, she added other therapy elements to develop a standard treatment. Her nontraditional approach is rather new but growing in popularity. To learn more about this emerging therapy, keep reading. What Is EMDR Therapy?

2. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy is a psychotherapy technique. Therapists use it to help people recover from traumatic life experiences. EMDR is a common therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic disorders occur after past or recent traumatic events and stressful life experiences. Military combat, sexual assault, and car accidents are examples of traumatic events. Although EMDR is often used to treat trauma, it is helpful for other mental health conditions too. Anxiety, depression, phobias, addictions, and grief often respond to this therapy. Eye movement therapy approaches mental health treatment in a different way. It does not rely on talk therapy or prescription drugs. Yet, it shares concepts with other theories such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Both techniques can unblock emotions that cause distress. EMDR and the Brain The brain has a natural way of recovering from traumatic experiences and memories. The process involves communication between three parts of the brain: the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex. (The amygdala serves as an alarm signal for traumatic or stressful events. The hippocampus helps with learning, including safety and danger memories. The prefrontal cortex controls emotion and behavior.) EMDR resolves unprocessed trauma memories in the brain. The natural healing process creates, stores, and changes memories to reduce negative feelings. This helps people feel better about themselves.

3. “Changing the memories that form the way we see ourselves … changes the way we view others,” said Shapiro. “Therefore, our relationships, job performance, what we are willing to do or are able to resist – all move in a positive direction.” How Is EMDR Different? EMDR therapy differs from more traditional treatments, although it contains elements of other therapies. All psychotherapies involve talking in detail about a distressing issue. They may also include homework between therapy sessions. While EMDR involves talk therapy, it adds various sensory techniques to promote emotional healing. These techniques encourage the brain’s natural healing processes. Since it requires fewer sessions than many therapies, EMDR offers rapid results for some people. How Does EMDR Work? Although some traumatic life experiences resolve on their own, others need help to process them. Stress responses – fight or flight – are part of a person’s natural instincts. When post-trauma distress remains, upsetting thoughts or images can cause extreme overwhelm. They can send someone back to “that moment” as if they are “frozen in time.” The bilateral stimulation of EMDR helps the brain process memories and heal in a natural way. It uses several techniques including eye movement, hand tapping, and audio stimulation. EMDR Therapy Phases There are eight therapy phases to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Treatment requires several sessions, but fewer than most psychotherapies. As a result, EMDR can provide rapid results for some people. In general, the treatment breaks down this way: Phase 1: Planning Phase 2: Preparation Phases 3 to 6: Treatment Phase 7: Closure Phase 8: Evaluation The first phase involves treatment planning. The therapist and client develop a plan based on the client’s history. This includes memories or experiences from the past, as well as current stressful situations. It could also focus on the client’s childhood.

4. In this phase, the therapist and client talk about distressing issues and identify disturbing memories. This discussion, along with the client’s history, determines a treatment plan. How Effective is EMDR? There have been many studies of EMDR since Shapiro introduced the therapy in 1989. Many organizations recognize it as an effective treatment for PTSD. They include, but are not limited to, the following: American Psychiatric Association Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration United States Department of Veterans Affairs United States Department of Defense World Health Organization A 2012 study found that EMDR improved hallucinations, delusions, depression, and anxiety symptoms. An older study found EMDR to be more effective than prolonged exposure therapy. And, another study found the EMDR group to have a strong decrease in depressive symptoms. Who Does EMDR Help? EMDR therapy helps people of all ages: adults, teenagers, and children. Psychotherapists use the technique to address many different mental health issues. Besides post-traumatic disorders, EMDR may treat the following challenges: Anxieties, phobias, and panic attacks Chronic illness or health conditions Depression and bipolar disorders Dissociative disorders Eating disorders Excessive grief and loss Pain and associated symptoms Performance anxieties Personality disorders Rape and sexual assault Sleep disturbances Substance abuse and addictions Violence and physical abuse Final Thoughts Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a proven method to treat post-traumatic disorders. It may also help with issues like depression, addiction, and grief.

5. Some people prefer EMDR to prescription drugs, which can have unwanted side effects. Others consider it a strong supplement to their medications or talk therapy. As an adjunct therapy or stand-alone treatment, EMDR is one way to emotional healing. Contact a therapist to see if it is a good fit for you. For more info, Log on to https://psychotherapypartnersmn.com/emdr/ Contact Us: 3507 Lyndale Ave S. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408, USA Email: info@ptpmn.org Phone No.: 6128866112