Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) works for many people
EMDR, is a therapy technique that helps people process traumatic memories. It involves recalling distressing experiences while also focusing on external stimuli, like hand movements or sounds, to help your brain reprocess those memories in a less distressing way. It’s like giving your brain a chance to file away those memories in a healthier and less upsetting manner.
For a brief overview of how EMDR works :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNN1lQ-AHoo
What really is EMDR?
(filmed pre COVID-19, techniques will vary)
Video courtesy of EMDR International Association
https://www.emdria.org
Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress. However, clinicians also have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions:
| panic attacks/anxiety | complicated grief | family violence |
| surgical trauma | phobias | pain disorders |
| war-related experiences | stress reduction | addictions |
| sexual assault and/or physical abuse | personality disorders | childhood abuse |
How long does EMDR take?
One or two sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. If EMDR is indicated, then significant change can occur in one to two sessions.
How does EMDR work?
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.
EMDR is effective
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. Research has also shown that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is effective in treating individuals who have experienced psychological difficulties arising from traumatic experiences, such as assault, road traffic accidents, war trauma, torture, natural or man-made disasters, sexual abuse and childhood neglect. EMDR is also increasingly used to treat complaints which are not necessarily trauma-related, such as panic disorder, phobias, performance anxiety, self-esteem issues and other anxiety-related disorders.
How was EMDR developed?
In 1987, psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. EMDR has developed and evolved through the contributions of therapists and researchers all over the world.
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Email Gabby Skelsey or phone 0419 154 579