EMDR releases the individuals’ present difficulties by targeting past stored memory networks. When a disturbing event occurs, it may get locked in the brain with the original picture, body sensations, thoughts, sounds and feelings. Through the EMDR procedures, this can stimulate new information, responses and beliefs and allow the individual to reprocess and respond more adaptively or appropriately to their present life circumstances. This method involves moving your eyes a specific way while you process traumatic memories.
It's a relatively new treatment, with the first clinical trial in 1989 and is widely used to treat conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. It is evidence-based and organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the NHS endorse EMDR.
Urge Reduction EMDR is a therapy aimed at addressing urges and compulsions, such as those related to addictive behaviours. It adapts the EMDR protocol to focus on the intense emotional or physical "urge" a person experiences, helping to reduce its intensity and influence over time.
If you are interested in EMDR Therapy or Urge Reduction EMDR contact our Treatment Advisors for a free assessment.
EMDR is accessible online. Eye movements can be activated by either the client pinpointing targets in their room at 45 degrees left and right or by using a platform called “bilateral base” where, when activated, the client follows a moving ball. As an alternative, auditory sounds and tapping may also be used.
Following a full assessment, preparation and stabilisation, including goals and treatment plan in agreement with the client, memories for reprocessing would be targeted. This memory is then ‘loaded ‘alongside the internalised negative cognition.
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) eye movements commence. A metaphor to simplify the procedure would be to load the train at the station and let it progress down the track. Ultimately, at the client’s own pace, the memory reprocessing to desensitisation of the emotional responses and a positive cognition would be installed.
EDMR can be useful when looking at addiction treatment. Urge reduction EMDR can significantly reduce cravings for substances and addictive behaviours.
However, EMDR therapy is commonly used with those who have trauma. What that trauma is can vary depending on the individual.
Trauma can be any event that creates problems for an individual. EMDR can be used when a current event of illness, car accident, observing a distressing event, bereavement and behavioural or substance addictions.
Alongside childhood traumas, they are locked in the memory network and are now the cause of adaptive behaviours, feelings and emotions. EMDR can be used, as with any other therapy, to reduce symptoms, and ultimately resolve distress in an individual’s life.
EMDR is effective and time-efficient in treating PTSD. Some studies showed 84-90% of single-event trauma victims no longer had PTSD symptoms after three ninety-minute EMDR sessions. Another study showed 100% success rate for single-event trauma victims. Another study showed success with 77% of multiple trauma victims after six fifty-minute sessions.
EMDR can be suitable for the majority of people. A thorough assessment of the individual’s capacity to withstand the activation of memory networks and preparation for the practice of self-control techniques are optimum.
Preparation and stabilisation to widen the client's window of tolerance is the foundation of the therapy process.
For individuals who become emotionally overwhelmed, EMD can be used to reduce arousal, contain the cluster memories, and increase stability. EMDR may not be implemented with high-risk clients who have a history of schizophrenia, or dissociative diagnosis unless close monitoring or an inpatient facility is available.
You must be in a “stable” condition to have EMDR; therefore, a paid-for assessment must be conducted before treatment starts. The individual will likely require between 4-5 sessions (1 hour each) consequently they would need to commit to a cycle of treatment if they were suitable
