What is EMDR therapy and how can it help?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is recognised as an effective treatment option for anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions. It can help people process and recover from traumatic memories through guided eye movement and talking therapy.
EMDR was developed in the 1980s by Dr Francine Shapiro. This approach investigated how the brain could adapt to address distressing memories and thoughts. Through the process of recalling a traumatic memory while tracking the movement of a therapist’s finger, individuals were able to reprocess traumatic memories, altering the way these experiences are stored in the brain.
Currently, EMDR is widely acknowledged by healthcare professionals, as well as esteemed organisations such as the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO, as an evidence-based and highly effective treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Table of contents
- How does EMDR therapy work?
- Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
- Why is EMDR therapy used?
- What happens in an EMDR therapy session?
- Interested in EMDR therapy?
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR therapy is a specialised psychological treatment tailored to address the impact of psychological trauma. It is based on the idea that numerous psychological challenges stem from distressing life events that have not been processed or integrated within the memory system.
During EMDR therapy, a qualified therapist facilitates the patient through structured eye movement sequences while they revisit distressing memories. This process is often accompanied by the patient articulating their associated thoughts and emotions.
This therapeutic process facilitates the brain's ability to reprocess traumatic events, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing individuals to move forward.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is recognised as an effective intervention for addressing psychological trauma, which can stem from a diverse range of experiences, including:
- war-related experiences
- childhood sexual and/or physical abuse or neglect
- surgical trauma
- natural disaster
- road traffic accidents
- assault
- panic attacks
- complicated grief
- workplace accidents
EMDR therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in addressing a variety of mental health conditions. Treatment is highly individualised, and the application of EMDR is determined by the therapist's professional assessment of its potential benefits in each unique case. Nonetheless, EMDR has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of:
- anxiety disorders
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- dissociative disorders
- eating disorders
- grief
- personality disorders
- PTSD and other trauma-related conditions
- substance abuse
Why is EMDR therapy used?
EMDR therapy is designed to help people process traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. Unlike traditional talking therapy, it does not require discussing distressing events in detail. This makes it suitable for those who struggle to verbalise their experiences.
This therapy focuses on changing the emotions, thoughts, and behaviours linked to past trauma. This, in turn, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.
Reprocessing, repairing, and healing
EMDR is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, a framework developed by Francine Shapiro. This model provides insights into how the brain stores and processes memories.
Traumatic memories are often stored differently from normal memories, sometimes in a way that prevents processing. When memories remain unprocessed, they can continue to trigger distress long after the traumatic event. EMDR has been found to make it possible to recall past events without experiencing the intense emotions that were originally attached to them, supporting long-term recovery.
What happens in an EMDR therapy session?
An EMDR therapy session follows a structured approach. The therapy usually involves around eight phases:
1. History and treatment planning
Your therapist gathers information about your history and identifies the specific memories or issues to target in therapy.
2. Preparation
You learn coping techniques, such as deep breathing or grounding exercises, to help manage any distress that may arise during the process.
3. Assessment
The therapist identifies the traumatic memory to work on and the negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations associated with it.
4. Desensitisation
You focus on the memory while following the therapist’s hand movements, listening to tapping sounds, or experiencing other forms of bilateral stimulation.
5. Installation
Positive beliefs are introduced to replace negative ones linked to the traumatic memory.
6. Body scan
You assess any lingering physical tension or distress related to the memory. If any discomfort remains, further processing may take place.
7. Closure
Each session ends with techniques to ensure you feel stable and calm before leaving.
8. Reevaluation
At the start of the next session, you and your therapist review progress and determine whether more processing is needed.
Interested in EMDR therapy?
If you think EMDR therapy is right for you, take the first step and learn more about our talking therapy services.
Contact us now at 0203 326 9160.
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Clinically reviewed
- Dr Jennifer Opoku‑Lageyre