What is it?
Therapy used to treat the symptoms of trauma.
Aims to help the brain to process distressing memories.
Learn more about EMDR on this page.
Here's more detail
Description
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy used to treat the symptoms of trauma.
When we experience traumatic events the thoughts, feelings and memories we have about those events can get stuck. It can be hard to move on from them.
During EMDR, you work with a therapist to remember the difficult memories while doing something that involves moving your eyes back and forth, like following the therapist’s finger. This helps your brain process the memories in a new way, so they become less upsetting.
What is the theory behind EMDR?
What is the theory behind EMDR?
The theory behind Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is based on the idea that trauma can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process information, causing distressing memories to become “stuck”. This can make you feel stressed or upset whenever you think about it, even long after the event.
In EMDR, you work with a therapist to remember the upsetting event while doing something that makes your eyes move back and forth, like following a moving light. This eye movement helps your brain process the memory properly. By doing so, the therapy reduces the power of the negative emotions and sensations associated with these memories.
EMDR helps people heal from emotional wounds caused by trauma. It works by changing how these bad memories affect you, making them less intense and easier to handle. The goal is to take these tough memories and process them so they don’t trigger strong emotional reactions anymore. This helps you feel better and manage your life more effectively.
What to expect from EMDR?
- Assessment
Before any EMDR therapy begins, your therapist will do an in-depth assessment to help guide your work together and to develop your treatment plan. They’ll spend one or two sessions getting to know you and learn about your history and current symptoms you’re struggling with. The therapist will also want to know about your background and any previous treatments you’ve tried. Your therapist will talk you through what EMDR is and what you can expect from sessions.
If you decide that EMDR is the right fit for you, you’ll set goals for what you want to achieve with EMDR and make a plan for your therapy. The therapist might also ask you to fill out some questionnaires to help keep track of your progress. This process helps them understand your needs and how to best support you during your treatment.
- What might an EMDR session look like?
In the first few sessions of EMDR you will establish a ‘Safe Place’ which is an internal place you can go to feel calm and at ease. At first, you’ll practice this Safe Place and use calming techniques, like eye movements combined with relaxing pictures and thoughts. If you get too stressed or have a tough memory, you can always go back to your Safe Place to help you calm down.
Later on and when you are ready, you will start working on specific memories or thoughts that upset you. You’ll focus on these while using eye movements to help you change negative thoughts into more positive ones. Your therapist will guide you through this, making sure you stay in control and comfortable. You will always be awake and alert during this process and you can ask to stop at any time.
In your final sessions, you might keep a journal to note any feelings or thoughts that come up during the week. You’ll also talk with your therapist about how you’re handling things and how to deal with future situations.
- Length of treatment
EMDR is an individual therapy typically delivered one to two times per week for an average of 6-12 sessions, although some people benefit from fewer, and some from more sessions.
Stat
There are more than 10,000 trained EMDR therapists in the UK
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What issues can EMDR help with?
EMDR was developed as a therapy for treating trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and this is what it is best known for. It is recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a treatment for PTSD.
But it can be used to help with a range of mental health difficulties including:
- anxiety
- depression
- addictions
- behavioural difficulties
- relationship issues
- psychosis
- personality disorders
Pros and cons of EMDR
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers several benefits but it is not for everyone. It is important to talk with a mental health professional to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
- Pros
Effectiveness for Trauma: EMDR is particularly effective for processing and reducing the distress associated with traumatic memories. It’s widely used to treat PTSD and has a strong evidence base supporting its efficacy. One study found that 100% of the single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer were diagnosed with PTSD after only 6 sessions (lasting 50 minutes each).
Rapid Results: Many people experience significant improvements in symptoms relatively quickly compared to traditional talk therapies. Some clients report feeling better after just a few sessions.
Structured Approach: The therapy is systematic and follows a structured eight-phase approach, which can help clients feel more organised and focused in their treatment.
Integration of Positive Beliefs: EMDR not only addresses negative memories but also helps in integrating positive beliefs and promoting healthier ways of thinking about oneself.
Increased Control: Clients remain awake and in control throughout the process, which can be empowering and reassuring for those who are fearful of losing control.
- Cons
Initial Discomfort: Processing traumatic memories can initially be distressing and may lead to heightened emotional discomfort before things start improving.
Not Suitable for Everyone: EMDR may not be the best fit for everyone. For instance, individuals with severe dissociative disorders or certain medical conditions might need additional support or alternative treatments.
Requires Time and Commitment: Effective treatment often requires multiple sessions and active participation, which can be challenging for some individuals due to time constraints or emotional readiness.
Possible Re-experiencing of Trauma: During the processing phase, clients might temporarily re-experience distressing emotions or sensations related to past traumas, which can be overwhelming.
Variable Results: While many people benefit significantly from EMDR, the results can vary. Some may not experience the desired level of relief or might need a longer duration of therapy.
Therapist Dependence: The success of EMDR largely depends on the skill and experience of the therapist. Finding a qualified practitioner is crucial.
Voice
There can be a dramatic transformation from someone who is constantly reminded of a traumatic memory and all of the negative symptoms, to feeling like it is behind them and not of significance anymore.
How can I access EMDR?
How can I access EMDR?
Speak to your GP. They can provide a referral to a mental health specialist or therapist who offers EMDR. In some cases, your GP may refer you to NHS services where EMDR therapy might be available.
Find a Registered EMDR Therapist. EMDR requires specific training and specialist skills to deliver it safely and competently. To make sure your therapist is professional accredited, you can look on websites such as:
- EMDR UK & Ireland: Visit the EMDR UK & Ireland website to find a registered EMDR therapist near you.
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): Use the BACP’s therapist directory to find therapists who might offer EMDR.
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): Use the UKCP directory to find accredited practitioners.
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