Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: What is it and who can it help?
A structured approach that helps your brain process difficult memories using bilateral stimulation (eye movements or other rhythmic stimulation). This evidence-based therapy facilitates natural healing.
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Updated: 26/11/24
Written by Dr Sara Tookey, Clinical Psychologist​​
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): A Guide to Processing Trauma
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. Originally designed to treat trauma, EMDR has evolved to effectively address various psychological difficulties. It uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) while processing distressing memories to reduce their emotional impact.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that psychological difficulties often result from unprocessed traumatic experiences. EMDR helps the brain process these memories in a way that leads to peaceful resolution.
The Science Behind EMDR Therapy
Research demonstrates EMDR's effectiveness through:
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Rapid reduction in PTSD symptoms (WHO, 2013)
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Changes in brain activity during processing (Pagani et al., 2012)
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Long-term maintenance of treatment gains (Chen et al., 2014)
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Neurobiological changes similar to REM sleep (Stickgold, 2002)
The Eight Phases of EMDR Treatment
1. History Taking and Treatment Planning
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Comprehensive assessment
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Identification of target memories
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Development of treatment plan
2. Preparation
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Building coping resources
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Learning self-soothing techniques
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Understanding the EMDR process
3. Assessment
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Identifying target memory components
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Measuring baseline distress
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Setting up processing markers
4-7. Processing Phases
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Desensitisation
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Installation of positive beliefs
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Body scan
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Closure
8. Reevaluation
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Assessing progress
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Identifying new targets
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Ensuring stability
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR has shown effectiveness for:
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Complex trauma
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Anxiety disorders
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Depression
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Phobias
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Performance anxiety
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Chronic pain
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Addictions
What to Expect in EMDR Sessions
A typical EMDR journey includes:
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Initial assessment and preparation
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Learning stabilisation techniques
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Processing traumatic memories
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Installing positive beliefs
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Body-focused awareness work
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Integration and maintenance
The Evidence Base
EMDR's effectiveness is supported by extensive research. Recent meta-analyses show:
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Equivalent or superior results to trauma-focused CBT (Lewis et al., 2020)
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Rapid symptom reduction compared to traditional approaches (Chen et al., 2014)
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Long-lasting treatment effects (Meysner et al., 2016)
EMDR is recommended by:
Different Types of Bilateral Stimulation
EMDR can use various forms of bilateral stimulation:
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Eye movements
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Tactile stimulation (tapping)
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Auditory tones
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Combined methods
Important Considerations
Safety and Stabilisation
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Not all memories need direct processing
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Careful preparation is essential
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Building resources comes first
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Regular assessment of readiness
Common Misconceptions
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EMDR is not hypnosis
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Processing continues between sessions
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Results are permanent but more sessions may be needed
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Can be combined with other therapies
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​Recommended Resources
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Books for Clients
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"Getting Past Your Past" by Francine Shapiro
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"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
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"EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy" by Francine Shapiro and Margot Silk Forrest
Online Resources
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified mental health professional for personalised guidance.​​​​​​​​​​​
References​
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Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., ... & Chou, K. R. (2014). Efficacy of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing for patients with posttraumatic-stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One, 9(8), e103676. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0103676
Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., Andrew, M., Starling, E., & Bisson, J. I. (2020). Psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1), 1729633. https://archive.emdrassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Lewis-et-al-2020-Psychological-therapies-for-PTSD-in-adults-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis.pdf
Meysner, L., Cotter, P., & Lee, C. W. (2016). Evaluating the efficacy of EMDR with grieving individuals: A randomized control trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 10(1), 2-12. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-09213-001
Pagani, M., Di Lorenzo, G., Verardo, A. R., Nicolais, G., Monaco, L., Lauretti, G., ... & Siracusano, A. (2012). Neurobiological correlates of EMDR monitoring – An EEG study. PLoS One, 7(9), e45753. https://www.emdria.org/resource/neurobiological-correlates-of-emdr-monitoring-an-eeg-study-plos-one/
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Eye-Movement-Desensitization-and-Reprocessing-EMDR-Therapy/Francine-Shapiro/9781462532766?srsltid=AfmBOopRaRTcjHNsl4Vplbxi18nPeFaJc7gmFSPAVUIORPkuEq5JEk_P
Stickgold, R. (2002). EMDR: A putative neurobiological mechanism of action. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 61-75.https://emdr-belgium.be/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/EMDR-A-Putative-Neurobiological-Mechanism-of-Action.-Robert-Stickgold.-2002.pdf
World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. WHO Press. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/85119/9789241505406_eng.pdfentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-018-1610-5
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