Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is
an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively
researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR
is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements
from many different treatment approaches. To date, EMDR therapy
has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types
of psychological stress. EMDR seems to have a direct effect on
the way that the brain processes information. Normal information
processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a
person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when
the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened,
but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar
goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs
naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based
therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and
less distressing way.
How does EMDR work?
No one knows how any form of psychotherapy works
neurobiologically or in the brain. However, we do know that when
a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as
it does ordinarily. One moment becomes "frozen in time," and
remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the
first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings
haven't changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect
that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way
they relate to other people.
Does EMDR really work?
Approximately 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR. These studies have consistently found that EMDR effectively decreases/eliminates the symptoms of post traumatic stress for the majority of clients. Clients often report improvement in other associated symptoms such as anxiety. The current treatment guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies designate EMDR as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress. EMDR was also found effective by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Department of Health, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, and many other international health and governmental agencies. Research has also shown that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment.
What kind of problems can EMDR treat?
Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress. Clinicians have also found EMDR to be helpful with difficult life events such as the loss of a relationship, loss of a job, growing up in a home that was dysfunctional or having been teased, made fun of, or bullied by peers. These are only a few of many examples of difficult life events. These less obvious traumas can continue to cause significant pain and dysfunction even years after the event is over. Clinicians also have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions:
Can Any Therapist Do EMDR?
EMDR should be used only by licensed clinicians specifically
trained in EMDR. It is recommended to check with the EMDR
International Association (EMDRIA) as they keep a list of
therapists who have completed the training classes as well as
those therapist who have gone on to become EMDR certified
therapists. EMDR certified therapists have achieved the
highest standards for training and for supervision in
order to obtain this certification. I have been
certified in EMDR since 2009.
As a certified EMDR therapist I will be able to assist you
in evaluating if EMDR would be helpful to you.
If you would like more information on EMDR go to www.emdria.org.
