Understanding eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
Written by:Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment for stress disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has been recognised in treatment guidelines published by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the World Health Organization, and numerous other organisations both national and international. Highly experienced London-based consultant clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Barker shares her expertise on the treatment.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a psychological therapy that employs an evidenced-based, structured treatment for PTSD, other traumas, and stressors. It involves using eye movements or bilateral tactile or auditory stimulation and talk therapy to process the beliefs, images, emotions, and bodily sensations associated with trauma.
What conditions or symptoms can EMDR treat?
EMDR can be a useful treatment for many things. A lot of people seek EMDR therapy for a specific trauma or complex trauma which covers adverse childhood experiences over a longer period of time. People also find EMDR useful for anxiety, depression, OCD, addiction issues, grief, phobias, and chronic pain. There is now an extensive body of research on the benefits of EMDR for many mental health issues.
What are the different phases of EMDR treatment?
EMDR uses a structured eight-phase approach:
- history and treatment planning
- preparation with specific techniques to cope with emotional disturbance, the time of this differs according to the client's need
- assessment of the target memory and baseline measures
- desensitisation
- installation of positive cognition
- body scan
- closure evaluation
How does EMDR differ from CBT (cognitive behavioural treatment)?
Both EMDR and trauma-focused CBT are effective treatments. EMDR uses eye movements, sounds, and taps, while CBT does not. In CBT you would desensitise yourself to the narrative about the trauma, address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts and take a graded approach to address avoidance and unwanted behaviours. The bilateral stimulation of EMDR helps you to distance yourself from unpleasant memories and gain a more complete understanding as to you why acted in a particular way so they can feel more compassionate towards yourself.
How effective is EMDR?
There are many meta-analyses that show that EMDR is effective. Typically clients report feeling calmer, no longer experiencing the world as threatening and overwhelming, feeling more emotionally present for loved ones, and having better sleep. People start to engage in things they may have avoided for years. EMDR therapy is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and other disorders in treatment guidelines published by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the World Health Organisation, and NICE which approves treatments in the UK.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, there is extensive research on EMDR with children. It is really important to find a therapist who is specifically trained to work with children using EMDR. I do not work with children as my area of specialism.
Dr Sarah Barker is an esteemed, London-based consultant clinical psychologist. If you would like to book a consultation with her, you can do so by visiting her Top Doctors profile today.
