EMDR Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was developed to help address trauma-related discords. It uses several components from other therapy techniques, such as cognitive, psychodynamic and somatic. The theory is that the traumatic event is more than the mind can handle, so it is stored away until it can be dealt with. When a new event, sound or smell triggers the stored memory, the individual re-experiences portions of the event, which results in an over-reaction to the triggering stimulus. There are eight phases in the treatment technique. They were developed to guide the patient through past, present and future aspects of the memory.

As the process for EMDR begins, the patient’s history and current treatment plan are reviewed.  Events or feelings that could be the potential trigger points are identified. The patient and specialist discuss and assign the patient’s safe place. This is frequently a mental image of a location that the patient feels comfortable. Once the event or feelings are isolated, the specialist begins to separate the negative aspects from the positive. The patient is then asked to follow an object with their eyes. The object is moved from left to right and back again in front of the patient, several times.

They discuss the event or thought that is currently in the patient’s mind, how it made them feel at the time, and currently. The left to right eye movements begin again. Each time, they discuss the event or thought that is strongest in the patient’s mind. Stress levels are measured and results evaluated. Often, symptoms are greatly reduced after the first session. EMDR was originally used to treat soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. By desensitizing the patient to the painful memory the distress it caused is reduced. The theory is that by reducing the stress, the mind can fully process what happened.

Due to the effectiveness of the treatment, it is being used to help treat other disorders as well. Individuals that suffer from depression, anger and anxiety disorders and have shown marked improvement in symptoms. EMDR has been integrated into various types of rehab programs to aid in the recovery of substance abuse. It is used in conjunction with other techniques such as counselling sessions and medications. Though the exact reason for its success is still cause for speculation, the results cannot be denied.

Tom Smith common name, uncommon therapy