EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR is a widely researched and evidence-based psychotherapy intervention that is used to help individuals who have experienced traumatic events. The treatment consists of eight phases, which include client history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation.

During the desensitization phase, the therapist guides the client to focus on a specific traumatic memory, while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones). This process aims to activate the client’s natural healing mechanisms and reprocess the traumatic memory, leading to a reduction in the emotional distress associated with the memory.

In the installation phase, positive beliefs are identified and installed to replace negative beliefs associated with the traumatic event. For example, a negative belief such as “I am not safe” might be replaced with a positive belief such as “I am capable of handling difficult situations.”

Throughout the treatment, the therapist may also teach the client various stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation, to help manage any emotional distress that arises during the process.

The length of EMDR treatment varies depending on the number and severity of traumas treated, as well as the time of onset of PTSD symptoms. During the re-evaluation phase, the therapist will ask the client to reflect on their current emotional state and any changes that they have noticed since starting the EMDR therapy. The therapist will also assess whether any new negative beliefs or traumatic memories have emerged during the treatment and work with the client to address them if necessary. The therapy can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the client, and some people may require additional sessions or other forms of therapy in combination with EMDR.

Current research supports the positive clinical outcomes of EMDR therapy for treating a variety of disorders, including trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019; Van der Kolk et al., 2007). According to Shapiro and Forrest (2016), over 7 million individuals have been successfully treated by 110,000 therapists in 130 countries as of 2016.