Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, commonly referred to as EMDR, is a form of psychotherapy that is increasingly requested by those seeking treatment for trauma.
It is an evidence based approach, recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as well as by the World Health Organisation (WHO). EMDR is best known for treating trauma but is increasingly used in the treatment of a broad range of clinical presentations.
The human brain has a natural ability to process information, which plays a vital role in helping us to function in our daily lives. However, It is now well understood that this information processing system can easily become overwhelmed in the face of trauma, resulting in memories becoming ‘stuck’, and stored in an unprocessed and often ‘vivid’ and ‘intense’ form. These trauma memories are easily triggered, replaying in mind and body, causing significant distress, with individuals often reporting that events feel like they are happening again ‘now’.
EMDR targets these distressing or traumatic memories, helping them to be processed through a structured, phased approach, which on completion, enables the individual to think about the event without experiencing the intense distress previously associated with it.
It has been designed to tap into the brain’s natural abilities, through the use of a technique known as bilateral stimulation, which has been found to be effective in helping the brain to begin to naturally process memories that have been improperly stored due to the experience of trauma.
Your therapist will explain how this works and its role in more detail.
What happens in an EMDR session?
Following a comprehensive assessment, an individual works with the therapist to identify specific target memories which will become the focus of treatment.
Unlike other forms of trauma therapy individuals are not required to talk about the trauma in detail. Focus is upon changing the emotions, thoughts and behaviours that result from the experience.
Several forms of bilateral stimulation will be explored with the therapist. These include eye movement, tapping or the use of sound. The individual will be asked to use the chosen method of bilateral stimulation whilst focusing on components of the traumatic memory.
Prior to any processing the individual will be assisted to develop a range of resources to feel more confident in regulating emotions and being able to access a place of calm to support the ability to engage with the therapeutic process helping it to feel more manageable.
Throughout the process, the individual is awake and alert and able to pause/stop processing in discussion with the therapist.
The approach requires no active homework. Individual’s can experience intrusion of the memories and related distress between sessions and resources will be developed with the therapist to help in the management of this if it occurs.
How many sessions are required?
EMDR sessions are often longer than typical therapy sessions (up to 90 minutes) and the number of sessions required will depend on the type and severity of the trauma you have experienced. 8-12 sessions are often required for simpler traumas with more sessions required for multiple traumas.
What can EMDR be used for?
Whilst EMDR is an effective evidence-based intervention, its use is specific, dependent on the particular presentation.
EMDR should always be delivered by an appropriately trained therapist.
Practitioners
Jo Bothma
To book contact Jo directly:
Mobile: 07946 730 841