WHAT IS EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful method of psychotherapy.
To date, EMDR has helped an estimated two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological distress.
It is THE most empirically valid treatment for PTSD and any forms of trauma (anxiety/depression/phobias, etc.)
EMDR yields results almost immediately. Treatment work and goals are accomplished MUCH more quickly, effectively, and long lasting than just the traditional talk-therapy many therapists tend to utilize.
Below is the brochure that is frequently given to clients to explain this type of therapy:
To date, EMDR has helped an estimated two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological distress.
It is THE most empirically valid treatment for PTSD and any forms of trauma (anxiety/depression/phobias, etc.)
EMDR yields results almost immediately. Treatment work and goals are accomplished MUCH more quickly, effectively, and long lasting than just the traditional talk-therapy many therapists tend to utilize.
Below is the brochure that is frequently given to clients to explain this type of therapy:
| bayareaclarityemdr.pdf |
In 1987, Dr. Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of negative, disturbing thoughts. Since then, EMDR has developed and evolved through the contributions of therapists and researchers all over the world. Today, EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches.
EMDR is a powerful psychotherapy technique that has been very successful in helping people who suffer from trauma, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, post traumatic stress, and many other emotional problems. Until recently, these conditions were difficult and time-consuming to treat. EMDR is considered a breakthrough therapy because of its simplicity and the fact that it can bring quick and lasting relief for most types of emotional distress.
EMDR Therapy is an internationally recognized highly empirically validated approach. This neuro-psychological approach is incorporated by using Bi-Lateral Stimulation with activating eye movements, bodily tapping, tactile buzzing, or auditory beeping.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF EMDR THERAPY?
Research studies show that EMDR is very effective in helping people process emotionally painful and traumatic experiences. When used in conjunction with other therapy modalities, EMDR helps move the client quickly from emotional distress to peaceful resolution of the issues or events involved. Studies consistently show that treatment with EMDR results in elimination of the targeted emotion. The memory remains, but the negative response neutralizes.
The short-term benefits of EMDR are simple and straightforward – the possible immediate relief of emotional distress and the elimination of the debilitating effect of unresolved past trauma
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 that 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.
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 psychologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
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 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies designates EMDR as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress as have the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Department of Health, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and many other international health and governmental agencies. Research has also shown that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment. For further references, a bibliography of research is available through the EMDR International Association's website.
The EMDR technique does two very important things. First, it "unlocks" the negative memories and emotions stored in the nervous system, and second, it helps the brain to successfully process the experience.
EMDR makes it possible to gain the self-knowledge and perspective that will enable the client to choose her/his actions, rather than feeling powerless over one's reactions. Longer-term benefits of EMDR therapy include the restoration of each client's natural state of emotional functioning. This return to normalcy brings with it a greater sense of personal power, more rewarding relationships, and a more peaceful life.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN EMDR SESSION?
Just as EMDR assists the brain with its natural processing of emotional information, the EMDR therapist assists the client in their healing process by becoming a partner on a journey to release past trauma from the client's nervous system. A typical EMDR session begins with the therapist gently guiding the client to pinpoint a problem or event that will be the target of the treatment. The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what s/he saw, felt, heard, thought, etc., and what the current negative thoughts and beliefs are about that event. The client focuses on an alternating bilateral stimulus (BLS) simultaneously with the disturbing material and then just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content. Each person will process information uniquely, based on personal experiences.
The EMDR technique does two very important things. First, it "unlocks" the negative memories and emotions stored in the nervous system, and second, it helps the brain to successfully process the experience.
Sets of BLS continue until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about ones self: Examples: "I did the best I could", "I am loveable", "I am important". During EMDR, the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance.
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 that 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.
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 psychologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
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 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies designates EMDR as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress as have the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Department of Health, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and many other international health and governmental agencies. Research has also shown that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment. For further references, a bibliography of research is available through the EMDR International Association's website.
The EMDR technique does two very important things. First, it "unlocks" the negative memories and emotions stored in the nervous system, and second, it helps the brain to successfully process the experience.
EMDR makes it possible to gain the self-knowledge and perspective that will enable the client to choose her/his actions, rather than feeling powerless over one's reactions. Longer-term benefits of EMDR therapy include the restoration of each client's natural state of emotional functioning. This return to normalcy brings with it a greater sense of personal power, more rewarding relationships, and a more peaceful life.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN EMDR SESSION?
Just as EMDR assists the brain with its natural processing of emotional information, the EMDR therapist assists the client in their healing process by becoming a partner on a journey to release past trauma from the client's nervous system. A typical EMDR session begins with the therapist gently guiding the client to pinpoint a problem or event that will be the target of the treatment. The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what s/he saw, felt, heard, thought, etc., and what the current negative thoughts and beliefs are about that event. The client focuses on an alternating bilateral stimulus (BLS) simultaneously with the disturbing material and then just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content. Each person will process information uniquely, based on personal experiences.
The EMDR technique does two very important things. First, it "unlocks" the negative memories and emotions stored in the nervous system, and second, it helps the brain to successfully process the experience.
Sets of BLS continue until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about ones self: Examples: "I did the best I could", "I am loveable", "I am important". During EMDR, the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance.
HOW OFTEN WOULD I NEED EMDR THERAPY?
One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR more fully and provide an opportunity to answer questions about the method. Once the therapist and client have agreed that EMDR is appropriate for a specific problem, the actual EMDR therapy may begin. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary.
IS THERE ANY DISCOMFORT INVOLVED IN THE EMDR PROCESS?
EMDR treatment can evoke strong emotions or physical sensations during a session. This is perfectly normal and desirable, since the technique works on the negative feelings when they are brought into the client's awareness. However, the re-experiencing of these unpleasant feelings is brief and they will soon leave when the process is completed.
If the client will persevere through the upsetting memories for a short time, s/he will likely be thrilled with the outcome of the therapy. Relief occurs rapidly, and for many, permanently.
WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN EMDR SESSIONS?
After an EMDR session, there may be a strong sense of relief, a feeling of openness, or even euphoria. Some clients may experience physical tiredness due to the emotional release. This is a normal reaction to the release that takes place.
From time to time, some clients experience unusual thoughts or vivid dreams that may or may not have any meaning. This is part of the releasing process and should not cause undue concern. Actually, unusual experiences during the time period of the EMDR therapy (between sessions) indicates that it is working. It is helpful to keep a log of those triggers.
One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR more fully and provide an opportunity to answer questions about the method. Once the therapist and client have agreed that EMDR is appropriate for a specific problem, the actual EMDR therapy may begin. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary.
IS THERE ANY DISCOMFORT INVOLVED IN THE EMDR PROCESS?
EMDR treatment can evoke strong emotions or physical sensations during a session. This is perfectly normal and desirable, since the technique works on the negative feelings when they are brought into the client's awareness. However, the re-experiencing of these unpleasant feelings is brief and they will soon leave when the process is completed.
If the client will persevere through the upsetting memories for a short time, s/he will likely be thrilled with the outcome of the therapy. Relief occurs rapidly, and for many, permanently.
WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN EMDR SESSIONS?
After an EMDR session, there may be a strong sense of relief, a feeling of openness, or even euphoria. Some clients may experience physical tiredness due to the emotional release. This is a normal reaction to the release that takes place.
From time to time, some clients experience unusual thoughts or vivid dreams that may or may not have any meaning. This is part of the releasing process and should not cause undue concern. Actually, unusual experiences during the time period of the EMDR therapy (between sessions) indicates that it is working. It is helpful to keep a log of those triggers.
By definition ...
"Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach to psychotherapy that has been practiced in the US and around the world for the past 20 years. It integrates many of the successful elements of a range of therapeutic approaches, yet there are aspects of EMDR are unique: In particular, the therapist leads a patient in a series of lateral eye movements while the patient simultaneously focuses on various aspects of a disturbing memory. The left – right eye movements in EMDR are a form of “bilateral stimulation.” Other forms of bilateral stimulation used by EMDR therapists include alternating bilateral sound using headphones and alternating tactile simulation using a handheld device that vibrates or taps to the back of the patient’s hands. EMDR is applicable for a wide range of psychological problems that result from overwhelming life experiences. During the processing of difficult memories, a person who has been abandoned by a spouse may come to realize that she is loveable and no longer be overwhelmed by negative feelings about herself or participate in unproductive behaviors stemming from those feelings. A person fearful of driving due to a terrible car accident in the past, may end the session feeling safe to drive again.
The therapeutic effects of bilateral stimulation were discovered by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., who grasped their power in psychotherapy. Dr. Shapiro found—quite by accident—that emotional and behavioral symptoms resulting from disturbing experiences tend to resolve naturally when a person allows him/ herself to recall various elements of a memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as lateral eye-movements. Dr. Shapiro and her associates developed a number of procedures for coordinating this “dual awareness.” The procedures have been refined and validated through controlled research at several centers around the world. Precise and careful use of these procedures can lead to a safe processing of memories, such that the negative thoughts and emotions disappear.
More than a set of “techniques,” the EMDR approach provides a model for understanding human potential, including how positive experiences support adaptive living, or psychological health, and how upsetting experiences can sometimes lead to psychological problems that interfere with a person’s ability to meet life challenges. The EMDR protocol guides clinicians in careful assessment and preparation work, particularly for persons with histories of multiple traumas. EMDR procedures should only be used by a fully trained EMDR clinician, who holds licensure the mental health field."
*Information courtesy of www.emdrhap.org
Video below dated back to the beginnings with Dr. Francine Shapiro:
"Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach to psychotherapy that has been practiced in the US and around the world for the past 20 years. It integrates many of the successful elements of a range of therapeutic approaches, yet there are aspects of EMDR are unique: In particular, the therapist leads a patient in a series of lateral eye movements while the patient simultaneously focuses on various aspects of a disturbing memory. The left – right eye movements in EMDR are a form of “bilateral stimulation.” Other forms of bilateral stimulation used by EMDR therapists include alternating bilateral sound using headphones and alternating tactile simulation using a handheld device that vibrates or taps to the back of the patient’s hands. EMDR is applicable for a wide range of psychological problems that result from overwhelming life experiences. During the processing of difficult memories, a person who has been abandoned by a spouse may come to realize that she is loveable and no longer be overwhelmed by negative feelings about herself or participate in unproductive behaviors stemming from those feelings. A person fearful of driving due to a terrible car accident in the past, may end the session feeling safe to drive again.
The therapeutic effects of bilateral stimulation were discovered by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., who grasped their power in psychotherapy. Dr. Shapiro found—quite by accident—that emotional and behavioral symptoms resulting from disturbing experiences tend to resolve naturally when a person allows him/ herself to recall various elements of a memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as lateral eye-movements. Dr. Shapiro and her associates developed a number of procedures for coordinating this “dual awareness.” The procedures have been refined and validated through controlled research at several centers around the world. Precise and careful use of these procedures can lead to a safe processing of memories, such that the negative thoughts and emotions disappear.
More than a set of “techniques,” the EMDR approach provides a model for understanding human potential, including how positive experiences support adaptive living, or psychological health, and how upsetting experiences can sometimes lead to psychological problems that interfere with a person’s ability to meet life challenges. The EMDR protocol guides clinicians in careful assessment and preparation work, particularly for persons with histories of multiple traumas. EMDR procedures should only be used by a fully trained EMDR clinician, who holds licensure the mental health field."
*Information courtesy of www.emdrhap.org
Video below dated back to the beginnings with Dr. Francine Shapiro:
The research is there.
For an extensive list of empirically valid and reputable research towards the efficacy of EMDR:
http://www.emdrhap.org/content/what-is-emdr/research-findings/ and http://www.emdr.com/general-information/trauma-research.html
Click HERE for an article about EMDR from The New York Times