EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a NICE guideline recommended psychological treatment (along with trauma focused CBT) for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) including complex PTSD.
Backround
EMDR was originally developed by Francine Shapiro Ph.D to treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, intrusive memories and phobias. There is, however, a growing evidence base for its treatment efficacy for all kinds of psychological presentations.
Repeated studies show that people can experience benefits that once took years to achieve. Although clinicians MUST be highly trained to administer EMDR – and proceed with great care and expertise – the results can be dramatic and long-lasting.
What Exactly Is EMDR?
EMDR is a way of helping the brain process the ‘blockage’ or ‘imbalance’ caused by a traumatic event. This event could be very obvious, such as witnessing the horrors of war or a distinct childhood experience, but it can also be something which caused mental trauma to YOU, but which is not so easily identifiable as a socially recognised source of mental trauma.
The premise behind EMDR is remove this ‘blockage’ through allowing the brain to process it in a different way. Just like with a physical wound, the body naturally works to heal itself. Think of a cut, bruise or broken bone. Given time, and the proper care (eg minimising the risk of infection or stabilising the fracture) the wound will heal itself.
However, if a foreign object is present, like a splinter, bacteria or if repeated injury irritates the wound, the healing can be considerably impaired. Environmental factors could even make the injury worse.
The ‘splinter’ needs to be removed before the natural bodily healing can take place. In a mental sense, the impact of a disturbing event can fester and can cause long-term, intense suffering.
EMDR clinicians use very detailed protocols and procedures to help clients to remove mental blockages through a series of ‘desensitization’ techniques. These are usually connected to the client’s eye movements – following a light or sometimes even a finger movement, while keeping the memory of a painful or traumatic memory in mind. This process allows the brain to fully process negative feelings, which may previously have been deeply hidden within the psyche, and the symptoms of which may have been extremely debilitating.
The main aim of EMDR is to fully process past experiences and identify the emotions attached to those experiences.
Any thoughts and feelings that are no longer useful (or even harmful) can then be replaced with thoughts and feelings that will encourage healthier behavior and social interactions.
Can I find EMDR therapy in Dorset?
Yes!At The West Dorset Practice we have 2 clinicians who are fully qualified to administer EMDR:
Mr Stephen Shave and Dr Clare Young.
What To Expect
If you are interested in accessing EMDR therapy at the West Dorset Practice then please do get in touch and either Steve or Dr Young will be in touch to arrange a free telephone consultation to establish your suitability for this treatment. Subsequently an initial session can be booked and treatment can begin.
EMDR therapy can be highly efficacious, the length of treatment is typically determined by the volume of trauma that requires processing. Your allocated clinician would be able to offer you some concept of treatment length within a few sessions and after a full history and assessment has taken place.
References:
EMDR International Association. Accessed 22nd Aug 2019.
Shapiro F. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mental Research Institute
Arkowitz H and Lilienfeld SO. EMDR: Taking a Closer Look. Scientific American. August 1, 2012.
Shapiro F. The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente Journal. Winter 2014;18(1):71-77