Written by Elizabeth Lee, M.Ed., C.Psych
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980’s to help individuals who struggled with trauma experiences. Since then, it has been well researched to help people suffering with other issues, including: depression, anxiety, phobias, and more (Maxfield, 2019).
When we go through a distressing situation or situations, sometimes our brains are unable to digest out the maladaptive information. Thus, we can experience emotional distress, unpleasant physical sensations, and negative thoughts/beliefs about ourselves in the present that are connected with a trauma memory. For example: Being consistently ignored and/or invalidated by parents growing up, now as an adult having a felt sense of “I am not important” or “I am unworthy”, feeling small in the body, and being downhearted.
EMDR therapy targets unprocessed trauma memories to help metabolize the associated unpleasant physical sensations, emotional distress, and negative self-beliefs (Shapiro, 2007).
When is EMDR Used?
EMDR can be used to help individuals who are struggling with: PTSD, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and more.
Please connect with an EMDR trained therapist to determine whether or not EMDR therapy might be a good fit for you.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR involves two main parts: desensitization and reprocessing (Shapiro, 2007). During the desensitization portion, EMDR trained therapists help their clients process distressing incidents and digest the maladaptive information to reduce the emotional intensity and memory vividness connected to trauma memories (Leer et al., 2014).
The reprocessing part involves clients being guided to integrate adaptive, positive self-beliefs, such as: “I am lovable” or “I am important” or “I am worthy”.
During both parts, bilateral stimulation is used as the mechanism to help the brain either process out or to integrate information (Nieuwenhuis et al., 2013). This is the “EM” or “Eye Movement” part of EMDR. Bilateral stimulation involves activating both hemispheres of the brain by using alternating stimuli, such as: eye movements back and forth, tapping alternately on the knees or arms, listening to sounds alternating between the left and right ear, and etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EMDR evidence based?
Yes, there is extensive research that found EMDR to be an effective treatment, including:
-7 randomly controlled trials (RCT) indicated EMDR therapy as effective and more rapid treatment than trauma-focused CBT (Shapiro, 2014).
-4 week treatment of EMDR was effective in significantly reducing PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms for 42 individuals who survived life threatening cardiac events and the
treatment was significantly better than individuals randomly assigned to imaginal exposure (Arabia et al, 2011).
-after 8 sessions of EMDR, almost all cancer patients (20 out of 21, 95.2%) did not have PTSD after EMDR treatment (Capezzani et al., 2013).
-67 individuals diagnosed with PTSD showed significantly greater improvement with greater rapidity compared to individuals who received standard care on measures of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These improvements were sustained at 3months (44 individuals assessed) and at 6 months (36 individuals assessed) post treatment (Marcus et al., 2004)
Please visit EMDRIA.org for more information on EMDR research.
What does EMDR processing mean?
Processing in EMDR therapy involves having the client focus on an event or situation while simultaneously doing bilateral stimulation. This involves activating both hemispheres of the brain by using alternating stimuli, such as: eye movements back and forth, tapping alternately on the knees or arms, listening to sounds alternating between the left and right ear, and etc.
Can I start EMDR processing during my first therapy appointment?
EMDR therapy is an 8 -phase treatment approach that involves specific protocols and procedures, including taking client history, client preparation before processing past events, present issues, and future challenges.
The first appointment (or more) often entails the therapist listening to client issues/concerns and gaining important information before discussing and implementing therapeutic intervention(s). Please discuss with an EMDR trained therapist if you are interested in EMDR therapy.
Where can I find more information about EMDR?
If you are interested to meet with an EMDR trained therapist, some Bloor West Therapy clinicians are trained to provide this therapeutic intervention. Please email or call our administrative staff to inquire about current therapist availability.
Please feel free to visit EMDRIA.org for more information about EMDR.
References
Arabia, E., Manca M.L., & Solomon, R.M. (2011). EMDR for survivors of life-threatening cardiac events: Results of a pilot study. Journal of EMDR Practice & Research, 5(1): 2-13.
Capezzani, L., Ostacoli, L., Cavallo, M., Carletto.S., Fernandez, I., Solomon, R., Pagani, M., & Cantelmi.,T. (2013). EMDR and CBT for cancer patients: Comparative study of effects on PTSD, anxiety, and depression. (2013). Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 7(3): 134-143.
Leer, A., Engelhard, I.M., & van den Hout, M.A. (2014). How eye movements in EMDR work: Changes in memory and emotionality. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 45, 396-401.
Maxfield, L. (2019). A clinician’s guide to the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research [Editorial], 13(4), 239-246.
Marcus, S., Marquis, P., & Sakai, C. (2004). Three- and 6-Month Follow-Up of EMDR Treatment of PTSD in an HMO Setting. International Journal of Stress Management, 11(3), 195–208. https://doi.org/10.1037/1072-5245.11.3.195
Nieuwenhuis, S., Elzinga, B.M., Ras, P.H., Berends, F., Duijs, P., Samara, Z., & Slagter, H.A. (2013). Bilateral saccadic eye movements and tactile stimulation, but not auditory stimulation, enhance memory retrieval. Brain and Cognition. 81(1): 52-56.
Shapiro, F. (2007). EMDR, adaptive information processing, and case conceptualization. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 1, 68–87.
Shaprio, F., 2014. The role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: Addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente Journal. Winter, 18(1): 71-77. http://dx.doi.org/10.7812/TPP/13-098
