EMDR: The Unconventional Approach to Therapy

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a type of unconventional psychotherapy that doesn’t rely on talk therapy or medications. It focuses on briefly reliving traumatic or triggering moments while simultaneously directing eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (e.g., tones or taps). The technique dampens emotions associated with past traumatic events by diverting attention to eye movements.

EMDR is a relatively straightforward therapy and is particularly effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This includes trauma experienced after a physical assault, rape or in military combat. EMDR can also be used for the treatment of other psychological disorders such as eating disorders, addictions and anxiety. 

What to expect during an EMDR session?

Psychologist Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in 1987. Shapiro noticed the intensity of disturbing memories is desensitized when the attention is diverted. This is done using the client’s rapid eye movements. The therapist will typically move their finger and ask the client to follow the movement with their eyes while recalling distressing memories and the emotions that go along with it. The process continues, gradually shifting to more pleasant memories and less disturbing thoughts. EMDR sessions can last up to 90 minutes and involve a structured 8-phase approach:

• Phase 1: History & Planning

The therapist will review the client’s history and identify related problems that are causing distress.

• Phase 2: Preparation

The therapist will introduce certain coping methods such as deep breathing and mindfulness to manage stress. They will also prepare the client to engage in bilateral stimulation.

• Phase 3: Assessment

A specific memory is targeted by assessing the components surrounding the memory or incident. This evaluation includes both changes in cognition and emotion.

• Phase 4-7: Treatment

EMDR techniques are used to treat the targeted memory. The therapist will engage the client to focus on a negative thought or image and simultaneously conduct bilateral stimulation using eye movements (or include tones or taps).

After the stimulation, the therapist will ask the client to empty their mind and concurrently notice the thoughts and emotions they’re experiencing. Upon identifying these thoughts, the client recalls the same memory or another. The end objective is to have the client face the same traumatic memory repeatedly until it becomes less disabling and eventually fades away.  

• Phase 8: Evaluation

In the final phase, the client re-evaluates the disturbing memory or trauma they initially confronted before the therapy. And how their perception has changed about it.

Final words.

EMDR therapy proves to be effective in treating trauma-related episodes and PTSD. It helps a person by allowing the natural healing powers of the brain to reach a resolution. Studies have also shown that EMDR reduces the vividness of mental images associated with traumatic episodes significantly compared to other methods.