What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a method of treating both recent and long term trauma, created by Francine Shapiro in 1987. It helps individuals who are survivors of any kind of traumatic event, abuse, natural disasters, accidents, personal crisis or tragedy, or war. At the time of a traumatic event, strong emotions can interfere with our ability to process the experience, and one incident can become frozen in time. This memory becomes 'locked' into our central nervous system so that recalling the traumatic event may feel as though the person is reliving it all over again because images, smells, sounds and feelings are still there and can be triggered in the present (Flashbacks). EMDR therapy allows the individual to process the traumatic memory so that it becomes less upsetting. The major significance of EMDR is that it allows the brain to heal its psychological problems naturally; similar to the way the body heals itself from physical injury. The procedure includes facilitation of bilateral stimulation (both sides of brain actively stimulated and communicating with one another) through use of eye movement/tappers, while the person is guided through an account of the trauma. Note: It is not necessary for the client to detail the negative experiences out loud during EMDR. The procedure can help individuals resolve these negative experiences and to maintain a more positive self-concept, both in relation to the trauma, and overall. The client is awake and aware of what is going on at all times and can stop the process at any time. However, it is useful for the client to stay with the feelings as long as possible so that they can finally move through them. Prior to any EMDR session, you will establish a “safe place” imagery, and a safe word to use with your therapist in the event that you become overly distressed during processing.
· More resources on EMDR:
EMDR International Association www.emdria.org
EMDR Institute Inc. www.emdr.com
Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy (2013) Francine Shapiro
EMDR The Breakthrough “Eye Movement” Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma (1998) Francine Shapiro
-Written by Dr. Lauren Turner