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EMDR
EMDR is a neuro-physiologically based process comprised of set protocols that help a person see disturbing material
in a new and less distressing way. The process incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches.
It was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, who made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce
the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. Dr. Shapiro studied the effects scientifically
and, in 1989, she reported success using EMDR to treat victims of trauma in the Journal of Traumatic Stress.
No one knows exactly how EMDR works. However we do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process
information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes “frozen in time,” and remembering a trauma may feel as bad
as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect on the way a person sees
the world and relates to other people to the point that they interfere with his or her life.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain functions. Research has shown that its effects are
not due to hypnotic trance or suggestions by the clinician, but appears to result from an innate neurophysiologic
rebalancing in the levels of arousal in various regions in the brain that leads to spontaneous adaptive shifts
in emotion, body sensation, and associated thoughts. In many ways, these changes in levels of arousal in the brain
and subsequent adaptive shifts in emotion, body sensation, and thoughts resemble what occurs naturally during dreaming
or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
Because of the aforementioned changes and shifts that take place in the brain, normal information processing within
that person is resumed. So following a successful EMDR session, the images, sounds, and feelings are no longer
relived when the event is brought to mind. What happened is remembered, but it is less upsetting.
A number of scientific studies have shown that EMDR is effective. For example, the esteemed Journal of Consulting
and Clinical Psychology published research by Wilson, Becker, and Tinker in December 1995. This study of 80 subjects
with post-traumatic stress demonstrated that clients improved significantly with EMDR treatment, and further study
showed that this beneficial effect was maintained for at least 15 months. This study proved that EMDR can be a
highly effective therapy modality, and that the results can be long lasting.
In a typical EMDR session, I work with my client to identify a specific problem to that he or she would like to
have as the focus of the treatment session. My clients are asked to call to mind the disturbing issue or event,
what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc., and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about the event. I
stimulate the directional movement of the eyes or other dual attention stimulation of the brain, while my client
focuses on the disturbing material. He or she is encouraged to notice whatever comes to mind without making any
effort to control direction or content. Each person will process information in their own unique way, based on
personal experiences and values.
Clients are reminded that there is no way to do EMDR incorrectly. Sets of eye movements are continued until the
memory of the traumatic event becomes less disturbing, and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about
ones self. For example, “I can trust my judgment,” or “I can protect myself.” During EMDR, people often experience
intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most of them report experiencing a great reduction in the level
of the disturbance.
A typical EMDR session lasts about 90 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstances, ego strength of a client,
and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many sessions are needed. In some cases, a single session
of EMDR is sufficient. However, a typical course of treatment is 3 to 10 sessions, performed weekly or every other
week.
Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post-traumatic stress. However, clinicians have reported
success using EMDR in treatment of phobias, anxiety disorders, performance anxiety, stress reduction, addictions,
disturbing memories, and complicated grief.
Read my article on the EMDR process >
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