EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitisation Reprogramming) was developed – and is best known – as a therapy for treating trauma. It’s recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a treatment for PTSD.
Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk, author of ‘The Body Keeps The Score‘ endorses and uses EMDR therapy in his trauma work. In the USA, it is regularly used in trauma centres for PTSD, child abuse, rape and has proved to be highly effective, even in cases where conventional counselling or psychotherapy have failed
“The past affects the present even though we are not aware of it”
EMDR also helps with anxiety, depression, addictions, physical pain, and relationship issues. Many of our beliefs, thoughts and even physical/structural problems originate from past experiences like bullying, abuse, or even criticism, at a time in childhood when we were too young to process what was happening.
What happens in an EMDR treatment?
During a session, you briefly recall a traumatic memory while using specific eye movements or tapping specific points on the body. (This is not EFT).
EMDR directly impacts the nervous system by integrating old negative images, painful memories, or emotions, which wasn’t possible [for many reasons] at the time they were originally experienced.
Nearly everyone feels a change in perspective – a transformative shift – that is genuine and feels deeply true at a gut level.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is a recognised treatment for PTSD, including combat trauma, physical and mental abuse, traumatic accidents and injuries.
Anxiety and Phobias: It helps address fears and anxiety disorders.
Depression: EMDR treats depression by addressing past experiences, often from childhood, that contribute to emotional struggles and current depressive symptoms.
Pain: Living with long-term pain often creates the belief that change is impossible. EMDR targets trauma linked to pain and rewires the brain’s perception, reducing emotional triggers and altering pain responses.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
- History and Treatment Planning: We discuss the issue you want to work on.
- Preparation: I explain the process to you so that you know what we will be doing.
- Assessment: We explore the key memory or image that appears to still have a resonance for you.
- Desensitisation: We use eye movements or tapping (not EFT) to help you process and integrate the memory.
- Installation: Having discharged the energy from the past event or memory, we ‘rewire’ the nervous system so that you can see and interact with the world with new energy.
- Body Scan: We check to see how you feel physically.
- Closure and re-evaluation: We ensure the session ends smoothly and address any remaining areas that still need attention.
Benefits of EMDR
Rapid and effective resolution of traumatic memories and images.
Reduction of anxiety and stress symptoms.
Enhanced self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Improved confidence and self esteem.
Recognition of mind-body relationship
Summary
EMDR offers transformation for many physical and emotional issues. It seems to work extremely quickly in getting to the root of our problems, both physical and emotional. Many people experience significant benefits from EMDR within a few sessions, compared to months spent in traditional talk therapies.