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Have you experienced a traumatising event or developed post-traumatic stress? Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) may help to lessen the impact. Here we explain what EMDR is and how to seek help.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment method aimed specifically at treating people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be helpful for other psychological problems and disorders such as depression, anxiety, and loss.
EMDR is one of the NHS‘ recommended methods of treatment for PTSD, along with trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
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What is the basis of EMDR?
The treatment is based on a theory of how memory works and how it is affected by difficult events. It combines elements of other schools of therapy such as psychodynamic theory, behavioural therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and systems theory. A specific feature of EMDR is the use of so-called bilateral stimulation, which is done via eye movements. The idea is that memories of difficult life events can be processed to cause less impact.
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How does the treatment work?
EMDR is adapted to the individual, starting with an assessment of the problem. The length of a treatment depends on the client’s needs; the period can range from a few sessions to a few months. In the case of a single trauma, treatment can be quick, but in the case of more complex problems, the therapy will be longer. A typical EMDR session may include the following steps:
- Background and planning: The therapist gets an idea of the client’s trauma history and helps identify specific memories or events to be processed.
- Preparation for processing: The therapist and client work together to develop coping strategies and resources to deal with emotions and memories that may arise during treatment.
- Processing memories: The client focuses on a specific traumatic memory while following the therapist’s movement cues, usually eye movements. The client is then encouraged to observe their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations while going through the memory.
- Meaning and connection: The therapist helps the client to explore and understand the changes and associations that occur during the processing of the memory. Processing aims to create an understanding and integration of the traumatic memory.
- Closure: The session ends with the client relaxing and discussing their experiences during the session.
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EMDR therapy online
Although you might think that working with EMDR online is not possible because it involves eye movement, there is research to show that it is effective.
12 common questions about EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment method that focuses on treating people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also be helpful for other psychological problems.
What is the basis of EMDR?
It is based on a theory of how memory works and how it is affected by difficult events. It combines elements of other schools of therapy such as psychodynamic theory, behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and systems theory.
How does EMDR treatment work?
An EMDR treatment always begins with an assessment and preparation for the processing phase. During processing, a specific method of eye movement is used, followed by integration and relaxation.
What is specific about EMDR?
The specificity of EMDR is the use of so-called bilateral stimulation, which is done via eye movements.
How long is an EMDR treatment?
It is adapted to the client’s needs and can last from a few sessions to a few months. In the case of isolated traumas, the treatment can be quick, but in the case of more complex problems, it will be longer.
Who can benefit from EMDR?
People suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can benefit from EMDR, but it can also help with depression, anxiety and loss.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and is a condition that can develop after experiencing trauma.
What are the most common symptoms of PTSD?
The most common symptoms include reliving the traumatic event, avoidance behaviour, increased vigilance, and negative changes in emotions and thoughts. These symptoms can be long-lasting and affect everyday life.
What research support is there for the method?
EMDR is one of the NHS‘ recommended methods of treatment for PTSD, along with trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). There is research showing that EMDR gives good results through online treatment sessions.
Can children be treated with EMDR?
Children can be treated with EMDR effectively.
What are the benefits of EMDR?
The advantages are that it is relatively gentle on the client and requires no exposure and homework used in trauma-focused CBT.
Where can I go if I want to undergo EMDR?
If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and is suffering from symptoms of PTSD, it is important to seek professional help. You can see your GP, or book an online session with one of Lavendla’s psychologists or therapists through our website. We make the difficult easier.
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