What is EMDR?
EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and experiences. It was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories are improperly processed and stored in the brain, leading to distressing symptoms and emotional difficulties. During EMDR therapy sessions, the therapist guides the patient through a series of steps that involve recalling distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This bilateral stimulation can be achieved through side-to-side eye movements, taps, or auditory tones.
The process is thought to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories more adaptively, reducing their emotional intensity and enabling the individual to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.
What to Expect During EMDR Sessions:
1. Assessment: Initially, the therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the patient's history, current symptoms, and identify specific traumatic memories or triggers.
2. Preparation: The therapist will explain the EMDR process and help the patient develop skills for managing distressing emotions.
3. Desensitization: This phase involves recalling specific traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. The goal is to process the memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact.
4. Installation: Positive beliefs and emotions are reinforced to replace negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memories.
5. Body Scan: The therapist helps the patient notice any residual tension or discomfort related to the memory and uses bilateral stimulation to address these sensations.
6. Closure: At the end of each session, the therapist ensures the patient feels stable and grounded before concluding the session.
7. Reevaluation: Subsequent sessions may involve reevaluating progress and addressing any new issues that arise.
Conditions Treated with EMDR:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is most commonly used to treat PTSD resulting from various traumatic experiences, including accidents, abuse, combat, and natural disasters.
- Anxiety Disorders: It has also been found effective in treating phobias, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
- Depression: EMDR can help alleviate symptoms of depression, especially when related to past traumas.
- Other Conditions: EMDR may also be used for treating grief, addiction, and certain personality disorders, though its effectiveness can vary.
Benefits of EMDR:
- Efficiency: EMDR is often shorter in duration compared to traditional talk therapies for trauma.
- Effectiveness: Many individuals report significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvement in overall mental health after completing EMDR therapy.
- Safety: EMDR is generally considered safe when conducted by a trained therapist.
Finding an EMDR Therapist:
It's important to seek an EMDR therapist who is certified and experienced in the technique. Therapists should be registered mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers) who have completed specific training in EMDR. Therapy is a personal journey, and finding the right approach and therapist for you is crucial.
EMDR offers a structured, evidence-based approach to processing traumatic memories and reducing associated distress. By engaging in bilateral stimulation during guided recall of distressing memories, individuals can often experience significant relief from symptoms of PTSD and related disorders. If you think EMDR might be beneficial for you, consider discussing it with a qualified mental health professional who can provide further guidance and support.
If you would like to further information or would like to arrange an appointment to discuss whether you might be a candidate for EMDR therapy, please contact our clinic on 03 5307 1607.
The EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
American Psychological Association (APA) on EMDR
EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and experiences. It was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories are improperly processed and stored in the brain, leading to distressing symptoms and emotional difficulties. During EMDR therapy sessions, the therapist guides the patient through a series of steps that involve recalling distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This bilateral stimulation can be achieved through side-to-side eye movements, taps, or auditory tones.
The process is thought to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories more adaptively, reducing their emotional intensity and enabling the individual to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.
What to Expect During EMDR Sessions:
1. Assessment: Initially, the therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the patient's history, current symptoms, and identify specific traumatic memories or triggers.
2. Preparation: The therapist will explain the EMDR process and help the patient develop skills for managing distressing emotions.
3. Desensitization: This phase involves recalling specific traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. The goal is to process the memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact.
4. Installation: Positive beliefs and emotions are reinforced to replace negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memories.
5. Body Scan: The therapist helps the patient notice any residual tension or discomfort related to the memory and uses bilateral stimulation to address these sensations.
6. Closure: At the end of each session, the therapist ensures the patient feels stable and grounded before concluding the session.
7. Reevaluation: Subsequent sessions may involve reevaluating progress and addressing any new issues that arise.
Conditions Treated with EMDR:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is most commonly used to treat PTSD resulting from various traumatic experiences, including accidents, abuse, combat, and natural disasters.
- Anxiety Disorders: It has also been found effective in treating phobias, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
- Depression: EMDR can help alleviate symptoms of depression, especially when related to past traumas.
- Other Conditions: EMDR may also be used for treating grief, addiction, and certain personality disorders, though its effectiveness can vary.
Benefits of EMDR:
- Efficiency: EMDR is often shorter in duration compared to traditional talk therapies for trauma.
- Effectiveness: Many individuals report significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvement in overall mental health after completing EMDR therapy.
- Safety: EMDR is generally considered safe when conducted by a trained therapist.
Finding an EMDR Therapist:
It's important to seek an EMDR therapist who is certified and experienced in the technique. Therapists should be registered mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers) who have completed specific training in EMDR. Therapy is a personal journey, and finding the right approach and therapist for you is crucial.
EMDR offers a structured, evidence-based approach to processing traumatic memories and reducing associated distress. By engaging in bilateral stimulation during guided recall of distressing memories, individuals can often experience significant relief from symptoms of PTSD and related disorders. If you think EMDR might be beneficial for you, consider discussing it with a qualified mental health professional who can provide further guidance and support.
If you would like to further information or would like to arrange an appointment to discuss whether you might be a candidate for EMDR therapy, please contact our clinic on 03 5307 1607.
The EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
American Psychological Association (APA) on EMDR
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We acknowledge the Djab Warrung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land, waters and community where we meet. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the Djab Warrung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land, waters and community where we meet. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.