top of page

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.

Start your therapy journey with one of our highly specialised EMDR therapists today

nsplsh_55624a4d7939327038776b~mv2_d_4570_3047_s_4_2.jpg

Sign up to receive our True North Psychology newsletter and gain free access to our mental health related resources and educational content.

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:

 

 

The Eight Phases of EMDR Treatment

 

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning

  • Comprehensive assessment

  • Identification of target memories

  • Development of treatment plan

 

2. Preparation

  • Building coping resources

  • Learning self-soothing techniques

  • Understanding the EMDR process

 

3. Assessment

  • Identifying target memory components

  • Measuring baseline distress

  • Setting up processing markers

 

4-7. Processing Phases

  • Desensitisation

  • Installation of positive beliefs

  • Body scan

  • Closure

 

8. Reevaluation

  • Assessing progress

  • Identifying new targets

  • Ensuring stability

 

 

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

 

EMDR has shown effectiveness for:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Complex trauma

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Depression

  • Phobias

  • Performance anxiety

  • Chronic pain

  • Addictions

 

 

What to Expect in EMDR Sessions

 

A typical EMDR journey includes:

  1. Initial assessment and preparation

  2. Learning stabilisation techniques

  3. Processing traumatic memories

  4. Installing positive beliefs

  5. Body-focused awareness work

  6. Integration and maintenance

 

 

The Evidence Base

 

EMDR's effectiveness is supported by extensive research. Recent meta-analyses show:

 

 

EMDR is recommended by:

 

 

 

Different Types of Bilateral Stimulation

 

EMDR can use various forms of bilateral stimulation:

 

  • Eye movements

  • Tactile stimulation (tapping)

  • Auditory tones

  • Combined methods

 

 

Important Considerations

 

Safety and Stabilisation

 

  • Not all memories need direct processing

  • Careful preparation is essential

  • Building resources comes first

  • Regular assessment of readiness

 

Common Misconceptions

 

  • EMDR is not hypnosis

  • Processing continues between sessions

  • Results are permanent but more sessions may be needed

  • Can be combined with other therapies

Sign up to receive our True North Psychology newsletter and gain free access to our mental health related resources and educational content.

​Recommended Resources

​

Books for Clients

  • "Getting Past Your Past" by Francine Shapiro

  • "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk

  • "EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy" by Francine Shapiro and Margot Silk Forrest

 

Online Resources

​​

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.​​​​​​​​​​​

Book an initial consultation with one of our EMDR therapists today

References​

 

​

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

​

​

Mountain Lake

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to receive our True North Psychology (monthly) newsletter and gain free access to our mental health related resources and educational content.

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page