EMDR is a novel, effective treatment for a variety of psychological problems related to traumatic memories and images. We invite you to read on to learn more about EMDR, its effectiveness, and how we use this technique to help people resolve traumatic experiences.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychological technique designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR is grounded in the belief that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process information, leaving distressing memories "stuck" in the nervous system. EMDR aims to help the brain reprocess these memories, allowing individuals to heal from trauma more effectively.
After someone has been through a trauma, they may experience intrusive memories or flashbacks of the incident. These experiences activate our brains “alarm” system, and it can feel like the trauma is still happening long after the situation is over. This is why, when we experience a reminder of a traumatic incident (e.g., a thought, memory, sound, sight, smell, taste, image, bodily sensation, etc.), we may respond with fear or rage! Moreover, after a traumatic incident, we often learn unhelpful beliefs about ourselves or the world, such as “I am unsafe”, or “People will always hurt me”. The goal of EMDR is to desensitise a client to the experience, so that the memory no longer carries the same vividness or emotion. The second part of EMDR, reprocessing, helps people integrate the memory with the belief system in a way that enables life to get back on track.
During an EMDR session, patients focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously undergoing bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This dual focus is believed to help the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and helping the individual gain new perspectives on the experience.
How Effective is EMDR?
EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as an effective treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by major health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA). High quality research has demonstrated that EMDR can significantly reduce the symptoms of PTSD, and perhaps more rapidly than other psychological therapies, such as Trauma-focused CBT.
While originally developed for trauma, EMDR has also shown promise in treating other conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and chronic pain. For more information, we suggest visiting the EMDR Association of Australia: EMDRAA (https://emdraa.org/).
What Happens During EMDR Treatment?
EMDR sessions typically follows an eight-phase approach:
1. History and Treatment Planning: The psychologist gathers information about the client’s history and current issues to create a treatment plan.
2. Preparation: The psychologist explains the EMDR process and teaches the client techniques for managing distressing emotional reactions.
3. Assessment: The specific traumatic memories to be addressed are identified, along with the beliefs and emotions associated with it.
4. Desensitisation: The client focuses on the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation of the brain. The therapist guides the client through this process, helping them desensitise the memory.
5. Installation: More helpful beliefs and emotions are integrated into the memory, weakening the unhelpful beliefs and associations.
6. Body Scan: The client is guided through observing their physical or bodily response to the memory, and any residual tension is addressed. (A trauma response typically involves significant bodily activation like a pounding heart, tense muscles, or other sensations like a “knot” in the stomach).
7. Closure: The psychologist helps the client returns to a state of equilibrium before ending the session, often reinforcing self-soothing techniques.
8. Re-evaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist and client review the progress and address any remaining distress related to the memory.
EMDR sessions are conducted in a controlled and supportive environment, with the therapist closely supporting the client’s responses. The goal is to transform the impact of traumatic memories, enabling clients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. EMDR treatment is always supportive, collaborative, and individualised to each client.
Dr Henry Austin
Principal Clinical Psychologist
