EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a therapy for people who as a result of traumatic events experience psychological difficulties, such as an accident, sexual violence or other acts of violence.
EMDR is a relatively new therapy. The first version of EMDR has been described by the American psychologist, Francine Shapiro in 1989. In the following years, the procedure has been further developed and elaborated to an effective and acknowledged therapeutic method.
When is EMDR used?
Certain events can leave a distinctive mark on people’s lives.
A large part of people affected by negative events process on their own accord using their own resources.
Others develop psychological problems, usually whereby the traumatic event is being re-experienced, for example in fearful images (flashbacks, intrusive images) and nightmares. Other symptoms that often occur are fear and avoidance responses.
This is generally referred to as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety based disorders. These are problems caused by a specific, horrific event, whereby thinking of this event still gives a strong emotional reaction.
Is EMDR Effective?
There has been a lot of scientific research done to establish the effectiveness of EMDR. The results show that clients respond well to EMDR. EMDR is a brief therapy. Especially when people have experienced one single traumatic event, after a few EMDR sessions they are able to continue with their daily activities such as work and study. People who have endured longer-lasting traumatic events or when the problems are more complex the treatment obviously requires more time.
How do you know if EMDR is an option?
During the assessment, the focus lies with the possible causes and background to your problems. Your specific circumstances will be assessed with special attention to your strengths and the level of difficulties you are experiencing as a result of your psychological problems. Only then the decision is made whether trauma treatment and more specifically EMDR is the treatment of choice.
What kind of preparations are required?
EMDR works fast, but then again it is an intensive form of treatment. This is why your therapist will inform you exactly of what steps will be taken in EMDR and how to manage your emotions and your therapist wil teach you other stress management techniques.
credits: www.emdr.nl