Eye movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy, otherwise known as EMDR, is a type of psychotherapy. This treatment focuses directly on the traumatic memory and how it is stored in the brain.
Rather then altering the thoughts, emotions and responses caused by traumatic events and experiences like other forms of therapy do, EMDR focuses on changing how it is stored in the memory.
Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing - for which conditions?
EMDR is mainly used to treat trauma and PTSD, but it is known to alleviate the symptoms of:
Panic attacks
Panic disorders
Addictions e.g. alcohol, drugs
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders, such as bulimia
EMDR is an interactive form of psychotherapy. In fact it involves making side-to-side eye movements usually following a therapist’s finger, while recalling the traumatic incident or incidents suffered.
Similarly EMDR may include tapping noises or a tone being played. Either way they are all as effective as each other and are just various ways of getting to the same point.
Once this begins, you will the be asked to recall the traumatic event. This can be distressing; however, it gives you the chance to ‘stand back’ from the event and see it from a different perspective in a safe environment
How does EMDR work?
EMDR works by transforming the memory rather than changing it. Furthermore it works by altering the way the memories have been stored which lessens and can eradicate the symptoms and side effects of the issues listed above.
If EMDR is the recommended treatment, for good progress to be made, it is better to come weekly although fortnightly may be considered and discussed after a few sessions have been completed.
The course of treatment usually lasts anywhere between 6 to 20 sessions, averaging anything between 60 – 90 minutes per session.
If you have any questions about this treatment or another form of therapy or counselling, feel free to contact us
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