We have expertise in EMDR therapies at the West Street Counselling Centre.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic treatment designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories and experiences. Developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, EMDR was initially intended to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it has since been found effective for a variety of psychological conditions.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain's natural ability to process information, causing memories of these events to remain "frozen" in the mind. These unprocessed memories can trigger psychological distress when something reminds the person of the trauma. EMDR helps the brain to process these stuck memories so that they no longer cause distress.
During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the patient to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of guided eye movements, but sometimes through tapping or auditory tones. The process of recalling traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation is believed to help reprocess the traumatic information in a way that reduces its emotional impact.
Effectiveness of EMDR
Numerous studies have demonstrated EMDR's effectiveness, particularly for PTSD. It has been recognised by organisations such as the NHS, NICE, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a recommended treatment for trauma. Research indicates that EMDR can lead to significant reductions in the symptoms of PTSD, sometimes in as few as six to twelve sessions.
EMDR's efficacy is supported by randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, which show that it is at least as effective as other trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and often faster. For instance, some studies have found that EMDR can achieve similar outcomes in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapies.
Benefits of EMDR
One of the primary benefits of EMDR is its ability to bring about rapid symptom relief. Patients often report significant reductions in distress related to traumatic memories after just a few sessions. This makes EMDR particularly valuable for individuals who are dealing with severe symptoms or who have not found relief through other therapeutic approaches.
EMDR is also relatively non-invasive compared to some other forms of therapy. It does not require patients to discuss their trauma in detail, which can be a significant advantage for those who find it difficult or retraumatising to verbalise their experiences. The process of EMDR allows patients to reprocess traumatic memories without needing to fully relive them.
Additionally, EMDR has been shown to be effective across a broad range of conditions beyond PTSD. It has been used successfully to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, panic disorders, and even chronic pain. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool in the therapist's arsenal, particularly for clients with complex or multiple issues.