Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a researched, effective treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization and the Department of Defense all recognize EMDR as an effective treatment of trauma. This treatment has also been found to improve other distress for which people seek treatment, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of powerlessness. Comparative to other treatments for trauma, EMDR offers the benefit of addressing severe emotional pain in fewer therapeutic sessions.

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According to the EMDR Institute and founder of EMDR, Francis Shapiro, EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing model.

This model declares that the distress from trauma or other disturbing events occurs when there is a blockage in the process of interpreting and classifying these events. To reprocess the blocked information, EMDR therapists guide clients through 8 phases of treatment, which begins with determining the suitability of EMDR based on the presenting issues and current stability. The therapist then prepares the client by teaching and enhancing resources that will improve coping. Eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are used in the subsequent phases to allow the client to process information in a way similar to the natural functions that occur during REM sleep. In this way, the client’s psychological and emotional processing is effecting change, rather than the therapist’s interpretations. This allows the client to experience a feeling of empowerment over events that once caused them distress.

EMDR treatment requires the use of detailed protocols and procedures. Not all clients will be suitable for EMDR for various reasons. It is important to participate in the initial phases and assessments to assure that a client will be able to participate in and benefit from this treatment.

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