Introduction to EMDR therapy and its purpose
What is EMDR?
EMDR therapy was developed to resolve symptoms resulting from unresolved or troubling experiences. Francine Shapiro developed this treatment as a structured means to resolve trauma related disorders.
EMDR’s proven effectiveness
Studies have shown it to be as effective as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) or exposure therapy in treatment for PTSD.
How EMDR works and its process
The theory behind EMDR psychotherapy
EMDR therapy uses the unique and slightly controversial element of moving the eyes back and forth (bilateral stimulation) combined with exposure, cognitive, somatic, and psychodynamic therapies. The theory states that when a trauma occurs, the event is unable to be processed in the normal way and is therefore stored differently than other memories. When this memory is activated, the individual may feel as they are reliving the experience. The unprocessed memory may be intense even after many years have passed.
The eight phases of EMDR therapy
There are eight phases of EMDR psychotherapy which address the past, present and future components of the memory. The processing phases consist of 15-30 second sets in where the client focuses on the memory while completing a dual attention task such as lateral eye movements or alternative hand-clapping. Following each set, the client is asked what associative information came to the surface during the procedure. That information usually becomes the focus of the next set. This process is repeated multiple times.
How memory processing works
The theory contends that this process helps to enhance information processing in the memory networks by forging new associations between the distressing memory and the rest of the memory network. These new connections are merged with more positive, realistic information. The results allow the patient to access the memory without the previously experienced feelings of distress, instead recalling the incident with a new perspective.
EMDR treatment duration and expectations
If the distressing event was an isolated incident, EMDR therapy can often clear the symptoms in as few as one to three sessions. If there were multiple incidents or complex trauma, the time to heal may be longer.
If you’re struggling with trauma or distressing memories, you don’t have to face it alone. Our qualified EMDR therapists in Sydney are here to guide you through this proven healing process in a safe, supportive environment. Get in touch.