What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by American psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1987. It aims to enhance psychological services for addressing trauma, anxiety disorders, stress, and substance abuse.
During EMDR therapy, patients recall emotionally painful memories or thoughts while being exposed to external stimuli, such as audio cues. A key component of the therapy is bilateral stimulation, which involves lateral eye movements. This process helps access the memory network associated with traumatic events, facilitating the recollection and processing of information between traumatic memories and more adaptive memories or information.
After successful EMDR treatment, individuals often experience new positive associations and thoughts, relief from distress, redirection of negative thoughts, and a significant reduction in physical sensations related to anxiety.
History of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
In 1987, psychologist Francine Shapiro discovered that moving her eyes seemed to reduce the negative emotions she experienced when distressing memories surfaced. Inspired by this revelation, Shapiro tested her hypothesis on others who showed symptoms of anxiety and emotional distress. The results indicated that those suffering from anxiety or past trauma experienced desensitization and responded similarly when engaging in eye movements.
Shapiro realized that eye movement alone was not enough for comprehensive therapeutic effects. She began integrating other treatment modalities, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), into her approach. This combination led to the development of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Shapiro's dissertation demonstrated that EMDR could desensitize individuals suffering from mental illnesses like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by altering brain regions responsible for cognitive functions. While EMDR cannot cure PTSD or anxiety in a single session, it significantly reduces the intensity of symptoms, making them more manageable.
What Does EMDR Treat?
EMDR Therapy is a valuable addition to traditional mental health care programs. It is effective in treating addiction disorders and conditions that may contribute to the development of addiction, such as mental health disorders or chronic pain. Incorporating different types of therapy can equip individuals with a variety of skills to aid in their recovery.
The Structure of EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy consists of eight phases. It is crucial to work with a licensed EMDR therapist, as attempting the therapy at home without professional guidance can be harmful. The eight phases are:
Medical History and Intake: The therapist and patient review the patient's life experiences, past trauma, and negative beliefs to determine which memories to target for treatment.
Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process, including the use of bilateral eye movement and other methods like hand tapping or auditory stimulation, to help the patient focus on both external stimuli and internal memories.
Assessment: The distressing memories identified are evaluated using scales like the Validity of Cognition (VOC) and Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD).
Desensitization: The core of EMDR therapy, where techniques such as eye movement or hand tapping are used to reprocess traumatic memories. The patient shares new thoughts that arise, which are addressed in subsequent sessions.
Installation: Positive associations are reinforced in the patient's memory. Unlike CBT, EMDR does not directly target troubling thoughts but helps the brain overcome harmful adaptations from trauma.
Body Scan: The patient assesses their physical responses to the desensitization process. If distress remains, the therapist continues using EMDR techniques to process the memory.
Closure: At the end of each session, the therapist provides strategies to help the patient manage any remaining distress until the next session.
Reevaluation: The patient's progress is assessed to determine if further work is needed on the targeted memory.
Co-occurring Disorders and EMDR
EMDR Therapy is also effective for treating co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis, where an addiction disorder and another mental health disorder occur simultaneously. EMDR is beneficial for individuals who have adverse reactions to psychiatric medications, as it does not involve medication.
EMDR Therapists Do Not Know Exactly How EMDR Works
While the exact mechanisms of EMDR are not fully understood, there is substantial evidence of its effectiveness. This uncertainty is not uncommon in mental health treatments, and many therapies show benefits for reasons not yet fully explained. Despite this, well-founded theories support the effectiveness of EMDR.
Possible Side Effects of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy has minimal risks since it does not involve medication. Potential side effects include lightheadedness, heightened sensations during sessions, vivid dreams, and the resurfacing of new traumatic memories. Therapists provide tools to manage any issues between sessions.
EMDR Can Treat Many Health Disorders
EMDR is effective for a wide range of disorders, including some of the following:
Addiction
PTSD
Anxiety
Self-esteem issues
Panic disorder
Grief and loss
Depression
Sexual assault
Abuse
Initially developed for PTSD, EMDR helps many individuals, including those who develop PTSD from various traumatic experiences.
Mental Health Problems Can Develop Later in Life
Conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression can emerge later in life, often influenced by stressful situations. EMDR therapy helps individuals become more resilient and develop coping skills, aiding recovery even if they return to distressing environments.
EMDR’s Success Has Been Proven Through Evidence-Based Research
EMDR’s effectiveness is internationally recognized through evidence-based research and endorsements from reputable organizations, including the Veterans Affairs (VA) medical division, the UK Department of Health, the Dutch National Steering Committee for Health Care, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
EMDR Works in Tandem With Other Therapies
EMDR therapy is often combined with other therapies, such as Neurobehavioral Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Group Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Behavioral Therapy. These complementary therapies enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment.
At Neshama Soul Therapy, we utilize EMDR therapy to treat addiction and psychological trauma. Our comprehensive care addresses all client needs, helping individuals improve their lives and manage co-occurring disorders. To learn more about our mental health treatment programs that incorporate EMDR therapy, contact us today. Remember, you are not alone!
