EMDR is an acronym for a new psychotherapeutic technique called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. When people suffer from trauma, it often ties into REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the time when we process our daily emotions. Some trauma may be so painful, that the REM process rejects it. EMDR is an intensified version of REM, developed to handle trauma in its most serious form. EMDR allows a client to process an emotional experience that h/she cannot yet talk about it freely. Most importantly, it can eliminate stress surrounding the traumatic event, with the purpose of allowing new life in the once traumatized and emotionally difficult memory.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Who can be helped with EMDR?" style="simple"]Since the initial medical study in 1989 positive therapeutic results with EMDR have been reported with the following populations:
- People who have witnessed or been a victim to disaster (rape, accidents, earthquakes, fires, murder, gang related violence)
- People suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- People who suffer from phobias
- People who suffer panic disorders and anxiety attacks
- Persons exposed to excess loss (loss by death, divorce, loss of a house by fire)
- Crime victims and police officers who were once overcome with violent memories
- Accident or burn victims
"What problems are helped using EMDR?"
The studies to date show a high degree of effectiveness with the following conditions:
- Loss or injury of a loved one
- Work or car accident
- Fire
- Assault
- Robbery
- Rape
- Natural disaster
- Injury
- Illness
- Witness to violence
- Childhood abuse
- Victims of violent crimes
- Performance and test anxiety
- Trauma
- Depression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Phobias
- Fears
- Childhood trauma
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Post traumatic stress
- Bad temper
- Overwhelming fears
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship problems
- Brooding or worrying
- Trouble sleeping
"How Does it Work?"
The therapist works gently with the client and asks him/her to revisit the traumatic moment or incident, recalling feelings surrounding the experience, as well as any negative thoughts, feelings, and memories. The therapist then holds her fingers about eighteen inches from the clients face and begins to move them back and forth like a windshield wiper. The client tracks the movements as if watching ping pong. Other forms of bilateral stimulation may also be used from alternating hand taps or auditory tones. The more intensely the client focuses on the memory, the easier it becomes for the memory to come to life. As quick and vibrant images arise during the therapy session, they are processed by the eye movements, resulting in painful feelings being exchanged for more peaceful, loving, and resolved feelings.
"What are the Symptoms that can be helped by EMDR?"
- High Anxiety and lack of motivation
- Depression
- Memories of a traumatic experience
- Fear of being alone
- Unrealistic feelings of guilt and shame
- Difficulty in trusting others
- Relationship problems
The EMDR technique is most effective when used in conjunction with other traditional methods of therapy in treating these and many other emotional disorders.