EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, is a method of psychotherapy that is used to help reduce distressing thoughts and the feelings associated with them. When something disturbing happens (trauma related to abuse, car accidents, assault etc.) it is possible for the thoughts, feelings, smells, sounds, associated with that memory to get “stuck”. It is believed that EMDR helps the brain to process information in its normal way similar to what happens during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

Approximately 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR and have consistently found that EMDR effectively decreases/eliminates the symptoms of post traumatic stress (PTSD) for the majority of clients. Currently, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Department of Health and the Israeli National Council for Mental Health designate EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD. For further information on research and bibliographies, you can go towww.emdria.org.

During EMDR, the therapist works with a client to identify a specific problem to focus on in treatment. The client calls to mind the disturbing event and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about the event. The therapist facilitates the directional movement of the eyes (back and forth), or other methods of dual stimulating the brain (tactile sensors or audio stimulation with the use of headphones), while the client focuses on the disturbing material. The client just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content. Each person will process information differently based on personal experience and values. During the session the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance. The client will still remember what happened, but it will be less disturbing.

One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate form of treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR more fully and provide an opportunity to answer questions about the method. Once both client and therapist have agreed that EMDR is appropriate, the actual EMDR therapy may begin.

A typical EMDR session lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. EMDR may be used with standard “talk therapy”, as an adjunctive therapy with a separate therapist, or as a treatment all by itself.

*The content of this page was taken from the EMDRIA “What is EMDR?” brochure.