EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and is a short-term intervention used to treat trauma. EMDR can be used as either a stand-alone therapy, or in conjunction with other longer-term talking therapies. EMDR is offered by certified clinicians following a trauma treatment protocol.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy developed to treat the effects of trauma.It can be difficult at times to move on from the things which happen to us. The events – and the feelings and memories associated with them – become stuck. The purpose of EMDR is to help us process these distressing memories reducing their impact on our day-to- day thinking. The memories will still be with us, but they will be in the past rather than constantly in our present. This enables clients to get on with their lives in more positive manner.
EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, when she discovered on a walk in the park that her eye movements decreased the negative emotions that were linked to her distressing memories. She built on this discovery through adding cognitive components and conducting studies throughout the rest of the 80s on what she originally termed EMD – Eye Movement Desensitisation.
In 1990, EMD was hailed a breakthrough, with the technique changed to EMDR to reflect the information processing theory that Shapiro had developed to explain the effects that it had.
Although it can be used as a treatment in its own right, EMDR is often used alongside other forms of therapy, perhaps to overcome stumbling blocks, or recurring difficulties. Research shows us it works very well with both children and adults.
While more traditional psychotherapy involves talking about the things that have happened to you in order to make sense of them, EMDR involves reprocessing your trauma in a healthier way. It focuses on the actual trauma memory as opposed to your thoughts and feelings around it.
Trauma can be defined in many ways. What may seem traumatic to one person, may be an easily-processed event to another. This means EMDR can be put to wide use, determined by how the client feels about the event or events which are troubling them. Some of the events which EMDR can help with are listed below, but it is worth remembering that it will be the client response to the event – whatever it is – which determines the particular definition of what is traumatic.
EMDR is recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the first treatment for people with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
It can also help children who experience self-esteem, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Traumatic experiences can continue to affect lives through flashbacks, anxiety, sleep problems, and persistent stress, even if it happened many years ago. The main benefit of EMDR is the reduction of symptoms like these, allowing the client to put the experience behind them and live a more relaxed life.
EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, but it can also be effective in tackling other mental health problems, such as depression, addiction, anxiety, and relationship issues.
EMDR sessions are normally longer than usual counselling session – up to about 90mins. They are held weekly and will usually run for three or four sessions, although they can be much longer for more complicated trauma
Any EMDR work will be preceded by a full assessment and the process as a whole will be discussed with the client.
When the EMDR therapy begins, the therapist will prompt the client to recall a memory associated with the trauma and at the same time they (the client) receives bilateral stimulation. The client is stimulated in a rhythmic left-right pattern, either through hearing, seeing or feeling
For example, bilateral stimulation could involve:
Depending on the age and confidence of the child, there may need to be more time put into the preparation, perhaps through a series of exercises designed to stimulate their imaginative ability and strengthen their sense of wellbeing. For example, the child may be asked to imagine a safe or protected place where they feel relaxed and comfortable, or to remember a time when they felt exceptionally confident and good about themselves. These positive images, and the thoughts and feelings associated with them, can to be used to demonstrate the bi-lateral stimulation. In this way the child is better prepared when the traumatic memory is introduced.
When the memory itself is introduced, the therapist may use drawing, storytelling or other means to support the child’s narrative.
EMDR is supported by a large body of evidence-based research. Much of this research has confirmed that it is as effective as other talking therapies and that is can often achieve results more quickly than other methods. This is perhaps why so many therapists are building EMDR into their work. As with all therapy, there is some risk attached: feelings may be stirred up and sometimes a client can be unsettled before feeling calm again. The therapist will take this into account and support the client as these issues are worked through.
More detailed information can be found on the EMDR Website.
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, EMDR is offered by David Keighley, who is based at our Hove practice and has a deep understanding of this treatment thanks to a course approved by the EMDR Association. His broad experience of psychotherapy means he’s best placed to judge when a client would benefit from EMDR, working with them to repossess traumatic experiences, leading to less of an impact on their day to day life. If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need, you can search for a therapist here.
Choosing Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy is a huge step in tackling the effects of traumatic experiences, as we know what it is to be trusted with such a personal undertaking. Our practice in Hove is where we offer EMDR therapy, with the benefit of a convenient location as well as a beautiful period building, where your comfort is paramount.
Do I need to have tried other types of therapy before I try EMDR?
No, not at all – whether you’re brand new to therapy or you haven’t found other therapy styles to be effective for you, it’s worth exploring if EMDR could help you overcome your traumatic experiences.
What is bilateral stimulation?
This involves alternatively stimulating the left and right sides of your brain, which can be done through moving your eyes side to side, tapping different sides of your body, and hearing different tones through your ears alternately.
Can EMDR work if I can’t remember everything that happened?
Yes – even if you struggle to remember your trauma, you can still process your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as opposed to trying to analyse specific details about what happened.
Can EMDR be done by any therapist?
No, only EMDR trained therapists may attempt this technique.
Do I have to commit to more than one session with a therapist?
We’d always suggest an initial session with our therapists to work out if you’re a good fit and would like to continue working together. Once you’ve found a therapist that you’d like to continue working with, you’ll agree together on whether you’ll attend for a set period of time, or enter into an open-ended agreement.
How will I know if I’m a good candidate for EMDR?
We’d suggest talking to us about what you require from therapy, and we’ll be able to guide you towards the right kind for you – if you’re struggling with a traumatic experience, this could well be EMDR.
How long does EMDR take to work?
Each individual is different, as is every traumatic experience – there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for the success of EMDR therapy, but expect at least 4-6 sessions to take place.
