Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is perhaps the most discussed therapy of the past decade. As a mental health professional, you’ve likely witnessed increasing client and professional interest in this evidence-based therapy. But what is EMDR, and how could it enhance your practice?
This article provides an overview of mechanisms of EMDR therapy, lists its purported advantages, and offers guidelines to help you decide how to assess its usefulness for use in your practice.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. The therapy combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with bilateral stimulation—most commonly eye movement—to help clients process traumatic memories and stress.
The therapy is predicated on the idea that traumatic memories become “stuck” in the brain’s memory processing system. Utilizing bilateral stimulation and standardized protocols, EMDR aims to have clients reprocess the memories so that they no longer have emotional charge and related symptoms.
The EMDR Process Defined
EMDR is performed under an eight-stage treatment protocol that is flexible yet structured to meet specific client needs. Treatment begins with history-taking and preparation stages, where you establish therapeutic rapport and teach clients self-regulation techniques.
The fundamental steps in reprocessing are to make clients remember traumatic memories while receiving bilateral stimulation. This dual concentration—concentrating on the traumatic memory and, simultaneously, observing your finger movements—appears to activate the brain’s own healing mechanisms.
In the process of reprocessing, the clients are likely to notice the changes in the way the traumatic memory is being processed. Affectively laden, vivid memories may be less vivid, and the negative self-referential experiences of the trauma may shift to more adaptive ones.
It concludes with positive belief installation and body scan with the intention to ensure complete processing of the target memory.
Evidence-Based Advantages of EMDR
Studies consistently show EMDR to be effective in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A number of meta-analyses have found that EMDR results in large symptom reduction on a par with other empirically-supported trauma treatments, and this is frequently in fewer sessions than in the usual talk therapy methods.
Aside from PTSD, the evidence supports the use of EMDR in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and complex trauma. The therapy has been particularly promising for clients with difficulty with traditional exposure-based therapies or lack the verbal skills to delineate their experiences.
Many mental health professionals indicate that EMDR allows clients to reach breakthroughs that may take years or months to achieve with conventional therapy alone. Bilateral stimulation appears to release processing capacity that can help speed up healing for certain clients. And these are some of the reasons why more professionals seek an EMDR online course to learn more.
Clinical Considerations
Special training and certification are needed to use EMDR to its full capacity. Reprocessing is accomplished with close monitoring of the client’s stability and preparedness because, initially, symptoms may worsen before they get any better at all.
Optimal treatment occurs in the context of a complete treatment plan that will meet the client’s general needs. While EMDR can be extremely effective in the reprocessing of specific traumatic memories, it is best when integrated with other psychotherapy services that enhance general mental functioning and health.
Moving Forward with EMDR
The establishment of the evidence base for EMDR therapy verifies its rightful place in evidence-based mental health practice. EMDR is a structured and yet adaptable approach that can be complemented with one’s existing therapeutic skill for therapists working with trauma survivors.
As the field continues to grow, remaining current on EMDR usage and limitations will allow you to make informed choices regarding the incorporation of this method into your practice. The training might be well worth considering if you treat trauma survivors or clients who have remained unresponsive to more traditional treatment methods on a regular basis.