EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a type of psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. EMDR is primarily used to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences and emotional distress, such as PTSD, anxiety, and phobias but has also been shown effective in various other symptom profiles.

 

The therapy involves bilateral stimulation (often through guided eye movements, but also through tapping or auditory stimuli) while the client recalls distressing memories. This process is believed to help the brain reprocess and integrate these memories more healthily, reducing their emotional charge and the negative effects they have on the person.

 

Key Components of EMDR:

1. History and treatment planning: The therapist assesses the client's history and identifies target memories to work on.

2. Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process and ensures the client feels safe and equipped with coping strategies.

3. Assessment: The client focuses on a specific memory, identifying associated negative thoughts and emotions.

4. Desensitization: The client recalls the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., following the therapist's hand with their eyes). This helps the brain reprocess the memory.

5. Installation: Positive beliefs are introduced to replace negative ones.

6. Body scan: The client is guided to notice any physical sensations related to the memory, helping to identify and release any residual tension.

7. Closure: The session ends with relaxation and grounding techniques to ensure the client feels stable.

8. Re-evaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist checks progress and ensures that the memory has been adequately reprocessed.

 

EMDR is considered an effective treatment for trauma, distress and many other symptoms. It is recognised by Medicare as an evidenced-based treatment.