What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy. Mouth full, I know.
Short History
It is based on a chance observation Francine Shapiro made in 1987 while on a walk. She noticed that the disturbing thoughts she was having were suddenly disappearing as her eyes were rapidly moving back and forth. Shapiro started testing this theory on other people (beginning with veterans) and found that it had similar results. Over time she perfected this theory into an eight-phase and three-pronged protocol to help many other people.
Aspects of EMDR
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model which states that the body and mind are designed and equipped to naturally heal from both physical and psychological distress. However, there are times when the natural healing process isn’t possible due to something being “stuck.” For example, from a physical aspect, if you get a cut, we trust that the body will naturally heal itself unless there is a foreign object lodged within the cut (i.e., splinter). Only when the object is removed can the body’s natural healing commence. Along the same lines, we wouldn’t voluntarily engage in surgery if we didn’t think that our body would naturally heal. We go into a surgical procedure knowing that over time our bodies will recover and heal. From a psychological standpoint, we can see that there are times we bounce back from someone hurting our feelings or going through a difficult time, but sometimes it overloads our system and it gets “stuck” in our nervous systems so we need to repossess this “stuck point” for the body to resume its natural healing processes of integration and learning.
The eight phases of EMDR include:
History Taking (pertinent background information gathered)
Preparation (assess readiness, education and stabilization techniques)
Assessment (identifying aspects of a memory to process)
Desensitization (reducing the distress associated with the memory)
Installation (positive belief reinforced within that memory)
Body Sensations (scanning for a calm/clear state in body)
Closure (containing any distress as needed)
Reevaluation (checking on goals, presenting concerns and processed memories)
The three-pronged approach entails: 1) the past, which is focused on clearing out the past negative experiences and/or trauma, 2) the present, where the focus is on reprocessing present-day triggers, and 3) on the future, where the focus is on installing/reinforcing positive future outcomes.
Finally, a main component of EMDR is the rhythmic side-to-side stimulation of the body that Shapiro noticed on her walk which is now called bilateral stimulation (BLS) or Dual Attention Stimulus (DAS). You might be engaging in natural forms of BLS without realizing it, such as running, drumming, and swimming. Think side-to-side movement. In the early days of EMDR, the BLS was solely done visually (eye movements) back and forth, hence the name, but has progressed to other forms that include tactile (hand buzzers alternating in each hand), auditory (tones alternating in each ear), and more.
It might sound like a lot, but no need to be concerned about the process. Your therapist will guide you every step of the way and at your own pace.
Why does BLS work?
There are a several theories that support the healing BLS facilitates:
It overloads the working memory,
It causes inter-hemispheric integration similar to what happens in REM sleep, and
It activates our orienting and relaxation response.
How does EMDR stack up against other therapies?
You may have heard of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Research indicates that CBT and EMDR therapy are superior to all other treatments. However, "unlike CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR does not involve (a) detailed descriptions of the event, (b) direct challenging of beliefs, (c) extended exposure, or (d) homework." [World Health Organization (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. Geneva, Switzerland.] Essentially, it is just as effective, but without all of the homework. There have also been studies comparing EMDR with medication. One such “study confirms the hypothesis of EMDR as a more efficacious treatment for PTSD compared to psychopharmacological therapy.”
Who can benefit from EMDR?
EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective in helping people recover from trauma and other distressing experiences:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief/Loss
Chronic Pain
Eating Disorders
Addiction
Perinatal Issues (and more!)
Conclusion
EMDR is both powerful and productive. It is a holistic approach to therapy that activates the body’s innate healing capacity to transform painful experiences, beliefs, and emotions that are stored in the brain. If you have any questions please comment below, or reach out here. If you think EMDR would be beneficial for you and want to engage with an EMDR therapist, you can visit EMDRIA where you can both learn more and find a therapist of your choice.
