EMDR
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is is an evidence-based, NICE recommended treatment, designed to help individuals process ‘suck’ memories that can create emotional distress. Originally developed for the treatment of trauma, EMDR is now used to successfully treat a range of problems and disorders (see below).
EMDR is unique in its approach to the treatment of emotional distress as it encourages the processing of information through bilateral stimulation. This type of intervention is unique to EMDR and provides a ‘non-talking’ alternative to the processing of ‘stuck’ information.
Treatment Rationale:
When we experience an event, typically our brain processes and retains the information needed and discards information that is no longer relevant. When we experience sustained periods of distress or an event that is highly distressing, our brains can become overwhelmed and the information can become unprocessed or ‘stuck’. This can lead to the re-experiencing of distress when the memory is recalled or triggered by an internal or external cue. These unprocessed memories become ‘stuck’ in our most primitive brain, the limbic system and are isolated from the brain’s cortex. It is believed that memories become stuck due to the limlic system’s inability to fully communicate with the brain’s cortex and this disrupts the normal processing of information. This can lead to the reliving of distress, including strong emotional responses and physical symptoms. EMDR encourages a reconnection of the limbic system and the brain’s cortex through the use of bilateral stimulation whilst recalling of the difficult memory.
Treatment:
EMDR is a brief therapy approach and can be used as a stand alone treatment or alongside a course of psychotherapy (such as CBT). Typically sessions last between 60-90 minutes. A therapist will assess the appropriateness of EMDR for your problem and will prepare you for the treatment prior to beginning the processing. The most typical form of bilateral stimulation is the use of hand movement, wherein the client visually tracks the rapid hand movement of the therapist, whilst thinking about a distressing event. Other forms of bilateral stimulation are used when visual tracking is not possible. It is important to note that this is not the same as hypnosis, as a person will remain in control and fully alert throughout the process. The therapist will guide and support you as you work through the treatment and process the ‘stuck’ memory into more adaptive information. EMDR is used to treat the following problems:
Depression
Generalised Anxiety
Panic Disorder
Specific Phobia
Insomnia (sleep difficulties)
Unprocessed Grief
Addiction
Pain Management
Low self-esteem
