What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a structured psychological therapy designed to help people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to affect them in the present. It is best known as a treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When something overwhelming happens, memories of the experience can sometimes continue to feel emotionally ‘stuck’. A person may know that an event happened in the past, while still experiencing strong emotions, physical sensations, images or beliefs when something reminds them of it. EMDR aims to help the memory become less distressing and more integrated with other, more adaptive information.
Where did EMDR come from?
EMDR was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Shapiro initially became interested in the effect of eye movements on distressing thoughts and later developed this observation into a broader therapeutic approach. As the therapy evolved, cognitive and other treatment components were incorporated, and the name EMDR was adopted to reflect the emphasis on both reducing distress and reprocessing memories.
How does EMDR work?
One way EMDR is understood is through the Adaptive Information Processing model. This model proposes that our brains usually connect new experiences with existing memories and knowledge in ways that help us make sense of what has happened. However, highly distressing experiences may not always be fully processed. When this occurs, aspects of the original memory can remain strongly connected to the emotions, beliefs and body sensations experienced at the time.
Later situations can then activate this memory network, sometimes leading to intrusive memories, intense emotions or reactions that feel much stronger than the current situation would suggest. EMDR aims to support further processing so that the experience can be remembered as something that happened in the past rather than continuing to feel as though it is happening now.
During parts of EMDR, a client briefly focuses on aspects of a memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, most commonly guided side-to-side eye movements. Other forms, such as alternating taps or sounds, may also be used.
What happens during EMDR therapy?
EMDR is more than simply following a therapist’s fingers with your eyes. It uses a structured eight-phase treatment process that includes understanding the person’s history, preparing for memory work, identifying appropriate memories to target, reprocessing these memories and reviewing progress.
Before beginning reprocessing, the psychologist spends time understanding the client’s current difficulties and assessing whether EMDR is appropriate. Preparation is an important part of treatment. This can include discussing what to expect, developing ways to manage distress and practising grounding or calming strategies. The client remains in control throughout the process and can ask to pause at any time.
When a memory is selected for processing, the psychologist may ask about the image that best represents the experience, the negative belief connected with it, the emotions it brings up and where distress is noticed in the body. The client is also asked to identify a more helpful belief they would eventually like to hold about themselves.
During reprocessing, the client notices what comes up while completing brief sets of bilateral stimulation. Thoughts, images, emotions, physical sensations or new perspectives may emerge. Rather than trying to force a particular response, the client is encouraged to notice what happens while the psychologist guides the process.
Later phases focus on strengthening a more adaptive belief, checking whether any distress remains in the body and ensuring the client feels sufficiently settled before the session ends. Progress is reviewed again at the beginning of future sessions.
Is EMDR only for PTSD?
EMDR has its strongest evidence base for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms. Research reviewed in the teaching material supports EMDR as an effective trauma-focused treatment for adults, with evidence also supporting its use for PTSD symptoms in children, adolescents and young adults.
EMDR has also been studied for other difficulties, including some anxiety presentations. However, the amount and quality of evidence varies depending on the condition, so a psychologist will consider the individual person, their difficulties and the available evidence when deciding whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment.
Do I have to talk about everything in detail?
EMDR does involve bringing aspects of distressing experiences to mind, but therapy is carefully prepared and paced. The client does not simply begin with the most difficult memory without preparation. The psychologist first considers the person’s stability, coping skills and ability to remain present when difficult material arises.
Strategies such as grounding, calming imagery and other resources can be developed before reprocessing begins. This preparation helps the client manage distress both during and between sessions and is an important part of using EMDR safely.
What is the goal of EMDR?
The goal is not to make someone forget what happened. Instead, EMDR aims to change how the memory is experienced in the present. A memory may still be unpleasant or sad, but ideally it becomes less vivid, overwhelming or connected to unhelpful beliefs about the self.
Through reprocessing, people may be better able to recognise that the event is over, view themselves and the experience from a different perspective, and respond to present-day reminders without being pulled as strongly into the emotions and reactions associated with the past.
At Graham Psychology, we currently have six psychologists qualified to use EMDR with clients. To find out more about EMDR as a therapeutic modality and which psychologists are available, head to our EMDR page.
If this modality sounds like it would be helpful for you, explore our team of experienced and compassionate psychologists based in Melbourne to find one you think you would pair well with. Alternatively, our Admin team are excellent at matching clients with suitable clinicians, based on support needs and availability - they can be contacted at reception@grahampsychology.com.au or via phone at (03) 8838 8687.