Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, developed in 1987 by Dr Francine Shapiro, is a unique and evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions that stem from memories of traumatic events.
Following her diagnosis of cancer, Dr Shapiro observed that rapid movements of the eye, similar to those that occur during REM sleep, could reduce the emotional impact of negative memories and thoughts.
Today, EMDR is widely used by psychologists to help individuals process trauma and reduce symptoms of mental health conditions. Whilst it is best known for its role in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its use has expanded to support other mental health conditions.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is a mental health treatment technique that involves moving your eyes in a specific way while you process traumatic memories. It relies on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, a theory about how your brain stores memories. This theory, developed by Dr Shapiro, recognises that your brain stores normal and traumatic memories differently, with trauma memories often stored in a way that doesn’t allow for healthy healing.
Whilst the brain naturally processes memories and emotions during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, traumatic experiences can sometimes disrupt this natural process, leaving negative thoughts, feelings, and memories unresolved. EMDR therapy helps to “reprocess” these stuck memories, allowing the brain to heal itself, much like it would during restful sleep.
Trauma can manifest in many forms, including childhood abuse, accidents, physical assault, or family violence. Unresolved trauma may lead to persistent negative beliefs about oneself, such as feeling powerless, unworthy, or anxious, which can deeply affect self-esteem, relationships, and overall mental health.
How does EMDR therapy work?
Before starting EMDR therapy, your clinician will work with you to understand your history and determine whether EMDR is the most appropriate approach for your concern.
During EMDR therapy, your clinician will help you explore the memories, events, or situations you wish to work on and identify associated negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations. You will also work together to identify positive beliefs you would like to associate with the memory after desensitisation.
The process involves focusing on a specific traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in stimulation, typically through eye movements. Your clinician will ask you to follow their finger as they move it from side to side in front of your eyes, recreating the eye movements that occur during REM sleep. Other methods that can be used include tapping with your hands on both sides of your body or following a light with your eyes. These eye movements are brief, lasting around 30 seconds each, followed by check-ins with your clinician on any changes you notice in thoughts, images, and emotions.
This process aims to reduce the negative emotions and thoughts associated with the memory or image. You will also be asked to rate the level of distress you feel on a scale of 0 – 10, with 0 representing no distress and 10 being the highest level of distress. Your clinician will then help integrate the positive belief with the memory using eye movements or one of the other methods.
What concerns or conditions are supported through EMDR?
While EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma, it has now evolved and is used to support other psychological conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Performance anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Unresolved grief
EMDR therapy offers an effective and holistic approach to addressing these conditions by targeting the root cause of distress and promoting emotional healing.
Ready to get started?
At Solasta, we are committed to helping you improve your wellbeing through evidence-based therapies like EMDR. Our experienced team of psychologists and counsellors is here to support you in overcoming trauma and other emotional challenges.
For more information about EMDR therapy or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 1800 943 043 or email info@solasta.net.au.