Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing is a powerful new method of doing
psychotherapy. To date, EMDR has helped an estimated half million people
of all ages with many different types of psychological distress. After
observing that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing
thoughts, Dr. Francine Shapiro scientifically studied and treated
victims of trauma and reported her success in the Journal of
Traumatic Stress.
When a person is very
upset, the brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily.
Events become "frozen in time" and, remembering trauma may
feel as bad as actually experiencing it the first time because all the
feelings, sounds, images and smells haven’t changed. These memories
have a lasting negative effect on the way a person sees the world and
subsequently interfere with his or her life.
EMDR directly affects the
way the brain functions. Normal information processing is resumed, so
following a successful EMDR session, the images, sounds and feelings no
longer are relived when the event is brought to mind. The memory is
there but is less upsetting. EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs
naturally during dreaming or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Therefore,
EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a
person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
The Journal of
Consulting and Clinical Psychology published research by Wilson,
Becker and Tinker in December 1995: 80 subjects with PTSD improved
significantly and maintained this improvement for at least 15 months. A
bibliography of research on EMDR may be obtained from EMDRIA. Other
studies have shown that when EMDR is used in a managed care setting,
those clients have less physical complaints and use less medication.
During EMDR, the
therapist works with the patient to identify a specific problem to be
the focus of a session that lasts anywhere from 50 to 100 minutes. The
patient calls to mind the disturbing issue and what thoughts and
feelings are currently held about the event. The therapist performs sets
of eye movements while the patient focuses on the disturbing materials,
noticing what comes to mind without making any attempt to control the
direction or content. Each session is unique. It is important to
understand that there is no way to do EMDR incorrectly! Sets of
eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and
is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about oneself; for
example, "I did the best I could." During the session, the
patient may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session,
most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance.
One or more sessions are
required to understand the nature of the problem and decide whether EMDR
is appropriate. Once this is agreed upon, the actual EMDR therapy can
begin. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of
previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are
necessary. A single session is sufficient for some types of traumatic
incidents. A typical course of treatment is 3 to 10 sessions, performed
weekly or every other week. EMDR may be used within a standard
"talking" therapy, as an adjunctive therapy with a separate
therapist or as treatment all by itself.
This therapy may be
covered by your insurance. Please contact your company for requirements
for coverage.
Scientific research has
established the efficacy for PTSD. There is reported success with the
following:
- Post traumatic stress
- Phobias
- Panic attacks
- Performance anxiety
- Dissociative disorders
- Stress reduction
- Sexual, physical abuse
- Disturbing memories
- Complicated grief
- Anxiety disorders
- Addictions
For EMDR therapy,
please contact the EMDR Institute at (408) 372-3900.
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