A Powerful and Evidence Based Therapy
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that often occurs after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD can cause a range of symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and feelings of being emotionally numb. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available, one of which is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. But what exactly is EMDR, and how does it help people with PTSD or trauma?
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, which is a type of psychotherapy that was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro. It’s designed to help people process and recover from traumatic memories in a way that reduces the emotional charge attached to those memories.
The core idea behind EMDR is that trauma can get “stuck” in the brain, leading to overwhelming emotions and vivid memories that seem impossible to shake off. EMDR uses a combination of guided eye movements (or other types of bilateral stimulation, like tapping or sounds) to help the brain process these memories and store them in a way that reduces their emotional impact.
How Does EMDR Work?
In a typical EMDR session, the therapist will help the person recall a traumatic memory while also guiding them through a series of rapid eye movements. The idea is that this bilateral stimulation helps the brain “reprocess” the memory, reducing its emotional intensity over time.
The process involves eight phases:
History Taking: The therapist gets to know the person’s background and identifies target memories for processing.
Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process and helps the person build coping strategies for handling distressing feelings.
Assessment: The person identifies a disturbing memory and a negative belief about themselves related to the trauma.
Desensitisation: This is the phase where the eye movements occur, and the person processes the memory while focusing on the movement or sound.
Installation: Positive beliefs are introduced to replace the negative ones.
Body Scan: The therapist helps the person check for any physical tension or discomfort associated with the memory.
Closure: The therapist helps the person return to a state of calm by using relaxation techniques.
Reevaluation: In follow-up sessions, the therapist checks in on the progress and any new memories that may have surfaced.
While this may sound complex, the important takeaway is that EMDR aims to help the brain make sense of traumatic memories, reducing their emotional hold and helping individuals move forward with their lives.
Why is EMDR Effective for PTSD?
EMDR is particularly effective for PTSD because it directly targets the memories of trauma that are often too painful or overwhelming to process consciously. In PTSD, the brain’s natural healing process is disrupted, and traumatic memories remain “stuck” in a heightened emotional state. This can lead to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and constant anxiety.
EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories, which reduces their emotional charge. This makes it easier for individuals to manage their emotions and reactions to reminders of the trauma. By processing traumatic memories with the guidance of a trained therapist, people often report feeling a sense of relief and a reduction in distressing symptoms.
What Does the Research Say?
Numerous studies have shown that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes EMDR as a valid and effective treatment for trauma. Research has shown that EMDR can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, with some studies suggesting that it may work faster than traditional talk therapies.
For example, a study by Van der Kolk et al. (2007) found that EMDR was highly effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in veterans. Additionally, a meta-analysis by Chen et al. (2014) concluded that EMDR was more effective than some other treatments for PTSD, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), in reducing the intensity of symptoms.
What Are the Benefits of EMDR?
Fast and Effective: Many people report feeling relief from their PTSD symptoms after just a few sessions of EMDR. While some treatments can take months or years, EMDR often leads to significant improvements more quickly.
Non-invasive: EMDR doesn’t require the use of medication, making it an appealing option for people who prefer to avoid pharmaceutical treatments or who have had negative experiences with them.
Holistic: EMDR addresses both the emotional and physical aspects of trauma. This means that it can help heal not just the mind, but also reduce physical symptoms like muscle tension and headaches.
Empowering: EMDR helps individuals reframe their trauma and replace negative beliefs with healthier, more positive ones. This can be empowering for those who have been struggling with feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness.
What to Expect During an EMDR Session
If you choose to undergo EMDR therapy, you’ll likely begin by discussing your trauma and the symptoms you’re experiencing with a licensed therapist. The therapist will guide you through the process and ensure that you feel comfortable every step of the way.
During the session, you may feel emotional, as you’re recalling a traumatic memory, but many people find that the distress diminishes as the session progresses. Afterward, you might feel a sense of relief, but it’s important to remember that healing is a gradual process. Over time, EMDR can help you reduce the emotional charge of the traumatic memories, allowing you to heal.
As always, it’s essential to consult with a licensed mental health professional to determine the best approach for your unique situation.
References
Chen, X., Zhao, M., & Wang, Y. (2014). The efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(7), 586-597. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22150
Shapiro, F. (2018). EMDR therapy: An overview of the methodology and protocols. W.W. Norton & Company.
Van der Kolk, B. A., Roth, S., Pelcovitz, D., Sunday, S., & Spinazzola, J. (2007). Disorder of Extreme Stress: The Empirical Basis of EMDR. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 30(1), 253-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2007.01.001