EMDR Therapy London- An Effective Therapy
What is EMDR
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) was discovered by an American Psychologist, Francine Shapiro. She discovered bilateral eye movements are helpful in analysing the disturbed thoughts and memories. In coming years she and her group designed an eight-phase protocol to maximise the benefit of the therapy. She also wrote a book on the therapy known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures published in 1995 (Shapiro, 2018).
In recent years a great deal of research has been carried out in this regard and now therapy is recommended across the world in guidelines of WHO, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, American Psychiatric Association and UK Psychological Trauma Society.
EMDR is a stand alone therapy and is enough in most of the cases, However for the treatment of Trauma and Anxiety it is integrated with CBT. EMDR is used to treat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Phobia
- Addiction
- Eating Disorder
- PTSD
How to become EMDR Therapists
Mental health professionals are allowed to train and practise EMDR. The training is supervised by EMDR Association UK & Ireland.
How does Eye Movement Therapy works
The therapy engages the brain in sensory stimulation while talking about the past events that are difficult for the patient and negatively affect the brain.
The negative memories are stuck in the brain and stimulation activities help loosen these negative thoughts.
There is less effort required for this therapy as individuals do not need to talk about the past events for it to work.
Duration of Therapy
EMDR could be used as a brief focussed treatment or it could be used as an alternative therapy with Schema therapy. The duration of an EMDR session is usually 50 to 90 minutes.
Side Effects of EMDR Therapy
It is a safe therapy with no side effects, only you can feel a bit exhausted and drained after the therapy as you feel after sharing a long secret with a friend. Hence, it is a safe experience.
Sessions with EMDR therapist
The Therapy begins with assessment as it helps the therapist to decide the best way to help the patient. The early sessions are usually based on safety work, psycho-education and stabilisation. After this treatment is moved towards the techniques of EMDR.
There are several phases of the EMDR session and it involves inquiring about the history of the patient. The history of the patient helps to identify the negative memories which need to be worked upon. The negative memories are revisited by the clients along with bilateral stimulation leading to emotional healing and desensitisation. Positive thinking is instilled in order to remove the negative thoughts. Any discomfort in the body is assessed by the client. The session is closed by the therapist after ensuring the Stability of the client.
Counselling Sessions
Counselling sessions can vary from client to client as every case is different from another. People might have different types of traumatic experiences and their therapeutic needs differ as well. Most of the people feel better after a few sessions whereas people with PTSD need more sessions along with other therapies.
Key benefits of Therapy
There are various benefits of the EMDR
- The therapy helps to heal, reduce the negative effects of trauma and the client is able to take control of their lives.
- It helps to reduce the symptoms of PTSD and the client feels connected to his life again.
- EMDR helps the client to recover from anxiety and depression and he is able to think in a positive direction.
- The therapy helps to face the challenges with resilience.
- EMDR is helpful in boosting self worth, self esteem and self compassion.
Effectiveness of EMDR
Research has established the validity of EMDR and it is now recommended by NIH for the treatment of PTSD. Effectiveness of EMDR can be enhanced with the help of Bilateral Stimulation Exercise between the therapy sessions. It is recommended to rest after a session as it helps to maximise the effects of therapy. It has been observed that during the treatment some people might have more dreams which is normal as strong memories are reorganising.
Book Recommendation
Author: Francine Shapiro
The groundbreaking book has been translated into ten languages, and it provides a comprehensive guide to therapy. The book was initially written to provide details about the treatment of PTSD.
The book states the eight phases of EMDR treatment and has a comprehensive guide for training the therapists and counselors.
