What is EMDR?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that helps people heal from distressing events or memories. It works by using bilateral stimulation (like side-to-side eye movements) while the person focuses on the memory. This process helps the brain process the memory in a way that reduces its emotional impact. EMDR can be effective for treating things like trauma, anxiety, and other difficult experiences by helping people see those memories in a new, less distressing way.
What are the 8 phases of EMDR?
History Taking and Treatment Planning: In this phase, the therapist gathers information about the client's history, current symptoms, and identifies specific memories or issues that will be targeted during EMDR therapy. A treatment plan is developed based on this assessment.
Preparation: The therapist works with the client to establish trust and explain how EMDR works. Coping skills and relaxation techniques may be taught to ensure the client feels safe and prepared to manage any emotional distress that may arise during the sessions.
Assessment: Specific memories or issues are targeted for reprocessing. The client identifies a negative belief associated with the memory (e.g., "I'm not safe") and a positive belief they would like to replace it with (e.g., "I am safe now").
Desensitization: During this phase, the client focuses on the identified memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds). This helps to process the memory and associated negative emotions, allowing the client to reprocess it in a more adaptive way.
Installation: The positive belief identified in Phase 3 ("I am safe now") is strengthened and installed as a replacement for the previous negative belief. The client rehearses this positive belief until it feels true and comfortable.
Body Scan: The therapist guides the client to scan their body to identify if there is any residual tension or discomfort associated with the targeted memory. Techniques are used to address and resolve any remaining physical sensations.
Closure: The therapist ensures that the client is feeling stable and grounded before ending each session. The client may be taught self-calming techniques to use between sessions if needed.
Reevaluation: At the beginning of each subsequent session, the therapist and client review progress since the last session. Additional memories or issues may be targeted as necessary, and the EMDR process continues until the client feels resolution of the targeted issues.
These phases are designed to help clients process distressing memories or experiences in a safe and structured way, leading to a reduction in emotional distress and the integration of more adaptive beliefs and perspectives.
How effective is EMDR?
Overall Effectiveness:
- EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as effective in treating trauma-related disorders. Studies have shown that 84-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after only three 90-minute sessions (Shapiro, 1989).
PTSD Treatment:
- EMDR is recommended by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization for the treatment of PTSD.
- Meta-analyses have found that EMDR is as effective as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and more efficient in achieving results for PTSD symptoms (Bisson et al., 2013; Lee et al., 2018).
Broad Application:
- Beyond PTSD, EMDR has shown effectiveness in treating a range of psychological issues, including anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, and grief (Shapiro, 2001).
Client Experiences:
- Many clients report significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life after undergoing EMDR therapy. The structured approach and focus on processing traumatic memories can lead to lasting positive changes (Shapiro, 2001).
Long-term Benefits:
- Research suggests that the benefits of EMDR can be maintained over time, with clients experiencing continued improvement even after completing therapy sessions (Lee et al., 2018).